Page Type:
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Mountain/Rock |
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Activities:
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Hiking |
Season:
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Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter |
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Overview
Bonanza is an unknown little peak on the backside of the Wasatch Mountains towering above Wasatch Mountain State Park. It lies entirely inside the park and makes a great destination if weather is clouding in higher peaks. Most will want to hike up but if the water is low at the Pine Creek crossing, one could easily drive a high-clearance 4WD car to within 300 vertical feet of the top. As of June 2009, the brush isn't too bad but in several years it may encroach too far to drive a vehicle. Crossing the creek on foot required bushwhacking about 20 feet upstream to some rocks to hop on.
Bonanza Benchmark from the SW
Bonanza Benchmark from state route 224
Getting There
From the winter gate at Wasatch Mountain State Park on state route 224, drive around 2.2 miles up toward Park City. The road is paved to the dirt turn-off past some some switchbacks. Once you make the turn, the dirt spur road splits. The left fork only goes a short distance to a camping area. Go right or park to hike. If you do attempt to drive up, the worst rocks are before the creek in the first mile. If you make it beyond the creek you will be fine to go all the way. I was able to park at the creek but turning around was tight.
Bonanza Benchmark MapRoute
If you hike from state route 224, just follow the road until you are just under the summit on the north saddle. Most of the route is in the open and would be hot mid-day. For the final 300 vertical feet, there is no trail...it's a bushwhack. The north ridgeline looks to be the best or you can bushwhack under the aspens that cover the east side of the summit area.
Midway, Utah
View South
Road up Bonanza
Bonanza in route
Mill Canyon Peak & Timp
Road and Peak
Jordanelle Reservoir
Park Benchmark & Bald Mountain
Red Tape
This part of Wasatch Mountain State Park is free.
The Bonanza Benchmark
ZeeJay - Jul 30, 2012 5:59 pm - Voted 10/10
JunctionsThere are two junctions within the first tenth of a mile. Bear right at the first and left at the second. At the end of July, the stream crossing was trivial. Route 224 is now paved all the way to the dirt road turnoff.