Hike Mount Pennell Henry Mountains BLM, UT

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The Henry Mountains, a laccolithic range on the Colorado Plateau, feature a series of prominent peaks rising above the deep canyons and vast sandstone landscapes below. This range was among the last in the contiguous United States to be surveyed and named. Mount Pennell, the second-highest peak in the range after Mount Ellen, is notably easier to reach due to its relatively mild approach. The hike to Mount Pennell’s summit primarily follows a 4×4 road, with only a short section of off-trail travel required.

Chris and I drove the lengthy Trachyte Ranch Road, leaving UT-276 (37.96087, -110.57533). The road was generally in very good shape, except for a few dips into washes that were unsuitable for passenger vehicles. In the last few miles, the road became increasingly rocky. Past the junction with Browns Knoll Road we slowed considerably, deciding to park at a wide pull-out before the road transitioned into true 4×4. We tried coming in from the south along Hoskinnini Road but ended up turning around because the road was pretty rocky, and we weren’t sure if it would get worse. If you don’t have a more capable vehicle, I’d definitely recommend approaching from the north instead. Rare moments like this make me wish for a more capable vehicle, but after the long drive neither of us were upset to walk the road, especially since the fall colors within Straight Creek made it very enjoyable.

After a lengthy and often steep road walk through aspen groves and a series of switchbacks, we reached the curved south ridge of Mount Pennell. From here, we were rewarded with ridiculously gorgeous views of the canyon country stretching in all directions. The road continued a bit farther, ending at a human-made contraption. From there, we followed a faint social trail along the ridge. The ascent was straightforward, with only a couple of steep, rocky sections that barely reached low Class 2. The jaunt led up through short stretches of forested terrain before emerging onto the bald summit, a painless jaunt with spectacular panoramic views.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Mount Pennell

11410 ft

3600 rise

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Hiking along the road after we decided to park.

Amazing colors within Straight Creek.

The road is quite steep.

View back along the 4x4 road to Mount Pennell.

Switchbacks along the road.

The false summit with a manmade structure seen center.

View back along the steep road.

Continuing along switchbacks up the slope.

View back down the switchbacks into the Straight Creek drainage. Mount Hillers seen top right.

We reached the ridgeline and got amazing views. The Waterpocket Fold can be seen in the distance.

The road ends at the structure on the left, but Mount Pennell's summit seen right.

View back along the road.

Past the structure, now taking the ridge to the summit.

There was a faint social trail, plus a couple of short sections of light Class 2 like this.

Mount Pennell ahead.

View back down.

Summit of Mount Pennell, Mount Hillers top left and the road we hiked up seen right.

Summit of Mount Pennell, view toward Mount Ellen.

Hire me or show me some love!

Hire/refer me as a web developer or send me a few bucks if you find my site useful. I’m not sponsored, so all fees are out-of-pocket and my time preparing trip reports is unpaid. I really appreciate it!