Pioneer Peak is one of several peaks along the ridgeline that terminates Big Cottonwood Canyon. This peak, while small, is very picturesque, and the open slopes are great for skiing. This peak is also along the Brighton Ridge Run route. It is marked by a wide variety of colors from the mining tailings left over on the mountainside.
During the summer, the peak can be climbed via some vague use trails that follow the ridgeline from Brighton's Crest Express lift to Sunrise Peak.

Getting There

Driving time from downtown Salt Lake City is approximately 50 minutes.
From I-15 southbound near downtown Salt Lake City, follow these directions
I-15 S toward LAS VEGAS/CHEYENNE. 8.3 miles
Take the I-215 exit- exit number 302- toward BELT ROUTE. 0.2 miles
Merge onto I-215 E via the exit- on the left- toward SKI AREAS. 5.1 miles
Take the 6200 SO. exit- exit number 6- toward SKI AREAS/SOLITUDE / BRIGHTON/SNOWBIRD / ALTA. 0.2 miles
Take the ramp toward SKI AREAS/SOLITUDE / BRIGHTON/SNOWBIRD / ALTA. 0.1 miles
Turn RIGHT onto UT-190 E/E 6200 S. Continue to follow UT-190 E. 1.6 miles
Turn LEFT onto E BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON RD/UT-190. 14.0 miles
End at Brighton UT

Drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon to Brighton Ski Resort. Park in the ski resort parking lot and begin hiking from the main lodge.

Red Tape

None. Big Cottonwood Canyon occasionally closes due to avalanche dangers, but this is only during and immediately following some large snow storms.

When To Climb

This peak is best climbed as a snowclimb or backcountry ski climb in late winter to early spring. It is best hiked in the fall once daytime temperatures are lower.

Camping

There are many walk-in campgrounds in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Alternatively, free camping is permitted in the nearby Mt Olympus, Broads Fork Twin Peaks, or Lone Peak Wilderness areas as long as it is done at least 100 ft away from trails.

Mountain Conditions

Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Brighton Ski Resort

Utah Avalanche Center

The Avalanche Center

Wasatch Mountain Club

Images