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• Current Utah vehicle registration

The threats to the Wasatch, to our watersheds, to the places that inspire our rapidly growing communities and the generations that will surely follow,  are intense, complex, and need attention.

What they need perhaps most of all is unity. We can show unity in a variety of ways by: attending a Save Our Canyons event, attending a public meeting, signing a petition, volunteering with our organization, or writing a Letter to the Editor or Op-Ed showing support for protecting the wildness and beauty of the Wasatch Mountains.

There are a wide variety of activities that users can partake in while in Mount Olympus Wilderness. These activities include hiking, trail running, camping, fishing, backcountry skiing and snowboarding and rock climbing. Users should remember that activities have special regulations due to their location in a wilderness and a partial watershed area, which means some activities are prohibited. It is important to follow the Leave No Trace Seven Principles because they will help users tread lightly and properly and will help to preserve the wilderness for all to enjoy. Mountain biking is prohibited in wilderness and swimming in parts that fall in the watershed. Biking is prohibited because it is a mechanical vehicle, which is not allowed in wilderness areas. Biking is also banned in these areas because it can diminish the quality of solitude that users are seeking. This type of transportation allows for users to travel faster than hikers, which increases human encounters, which as a result lessens the feeling of solitude. Swimming is prohibited on the Big Cottonwood side of the wilderness area due to it being part of the Salt Lake City Watershed. Swimming is banned in watershed areas because humans or dogs swimming in bodies of water that fall within watershed boundaries will contaminate the water and diminish the water quality.

Below is each activity and how to do it properly in a wilderness and decrease your impact:

Hiking/running:

While hiking in wilderness areas there are certain rules to abide by so that the resource is protected. Do not cut switchbacks while hiking because this will leave a visible scar on the landscape and will degrade the feeling of solitude. That area will require restoration so it can go back to what it once was. Stay on trail and do not use user made trails. User made trails can increase the spread of invasive species in an area, can cause hikers to become lost, and can also kill vegetation that could be unique to the area or endangered. Properly dispose of human fecal matter by either packing it out in WAG bags or by digging a 6-8 inch deep hole at least 200 feet from a trail or water source. Popular hiking trails in Mount Olympus Wilderness are the Mount Olympus Trail, Grandeur Peak, Neffs Canyon Trail, Desolation Trail and Butler Fork Loop.

For more information about hiking/running in wilderness areas:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/uwcnf/learning/safety-ethics/?cid=FSEM_035476

Trail information:

https://www.hikingproject.com/directory/8015886/mount-olympus-wilderness-area

Camping:

Camp on durable surfaces or use existing camping sites so that new sites are not made. If you do not have a camp stove, fires are allowed in most areas. When having a campfire use existing fire rings, make sure fire is completely extinguished and spread ashes in wooded areas afterwards. Do not put trash in fire, but backpack it out instead. It is important to leave dead wood instead of burning it because it provides homes to certain native animals, and its decomposition improves soil quality and is a component of the ecosystem. Properly dispose of human fecal matter by either packing it out in WAG bags or by digging a 6-8 inch deep hole at least 200 feet from a trail or water source. Do not wash dishes in a body of water and if need be, do it at least 200 feet from any body of water. 

For more information about camping in Wilderness Areas:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/uwcnf/learning/safety-ethics/?cid=FSEM_035476

Fishing:

Fishing in National Forests requires a state fishing license. While fishing in the Wasatch Mountain, it is required to wear waders because of it being a watershed for Salt Lake City. Wash waders before going into new sources of water to stop the spread of new species into an area. Do not transport parts of fish into other bodies of water. Properly dispose of human fecal matter by either packing it out in WAG bags or by digging a 6-8 inch deep hole at least 200 feet from a trail or water source.

For more information about camping in Wilderness Areas:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/uwcnf/learning/safety-ethics/?cid=FSEM_035476

Skiing/Snowboarding:

Skiing and snowboarding are allowed in wilderness areas. To access these backcountry wilderness ski spots you must get there by foot, which means snowshoeing or skinning into the area. Accessing the area by snowmobile or any motorized vehicle is prohibited. The sounds, tracks and sighting of motorized vehicles diminishes the sense of solitude, and disturbs wildlife. Heli skiing is also prohibited in Wilderness Areas because the landing of any aircraft is prohibited. Properly dispose of human fecal matter by either packing it out in WAG bags or by digging a 6-8 inch deep hole at least 200 feet from a trail or water source. Popular backcountry areas for users are the Apollo Chutes, White Fir Pass, Circle All (Circle Awl) Peak and Main Porter to 6500’ . Go to Wasatch Backcountry Map to find more locations.

For more about backcountry skiing/snowboarding ethics:

https://www.wildsnow.com/2012/backcountry-skier-code-ethics/

Rock Climbing:

Rock climbing is allowed in wilderness areas, but there are some points to remember when climbing in these areas. Bolts cannot be changed with a power drill, but must be changed hand drills. Remember to pack out everything that is brought into the area. Properly dispose of human fecal matter by either packing it out in WAG bags or by digging a 6-8 inch deep hole at least 200 feet from a trail or water source. Place climbing pads and gear on durable surfaces. Remember to clean up chalk and tick marks. Also try and minimize your group size and noise.

For more about climbing ethics:

https://www.accessfund.org/learn/the-climbers-pact

Salt Lake Climbers Alliance:

https://www.saltlakeclimbers.org

Contacts:

Salt Lake Ranger District

6944 SOUTH 3000 EAST

SALT LAKE CITY, UT, 84121

Phone: 801-733-2660

Mount Olympus Wilderness is home to many spectacular flora and fauna that are native to the area. Here is listing of many of the animals and plants that live in the area:

Animals:

Mammals:

• Moose (Alces alces)
• Mountain Lion (Puma concolor)
• Elk (Cervus canadensis)
• Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)
• Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
• Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus)
• American Black Bear (Ursus americanus)
• Coyote (Canis latrans)
• American Pika (Ochotona princeps)
• American Mink (Neovison vison)
• Snowshoe Hare (Lepus americanus)
• Short-tailed Weasel (Mustela erminea)
• Long-tailed Weasel (Mustela frenata)
• North American Porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum)
• Bobcat (Lynx rufus)
• Rock Squirrel (Otospermophilus variegatus)
• Red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus)
• Yellow-bellied Marmot (Marmota flaviventris)
• Striped Skunk (Mephitis mephitis)

Birds:

• Dusky Grouse (Dendragapus obscurus)
• Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus)
• Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope)
• Black-chinned Hummingbird (Archilochus alexandri)
• Broad-tailed Hummingbird (Selasphorus platycercus)
• White Throated Swift (Aeronautes saxatalis)
• Red-naped Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus nuchalis)
• Hammond’s Flycatcher (Empidonax hammondii)
• Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi)
• Cordilleran Flycatcher (Empidonax occidentalis)
• American Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides dorsalis)
• Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus)
• Northern Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium californicum)
• Flammulated Owl (Psiloscops flammeolus)
• Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri)
• Clark’s Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana)
• Mountain Chickadee (Poecile gambeli)
• American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus)
• Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis)
• Brown Creeper (Certhia americana)
• Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus)
• Macgillivray’s Warbler (Geothlypis tolmiei)
• Cassin’s Finch (Haemorhous cassinii)
• Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata)
• American Robin (Turdus migratorius)
• Dark-eyed Junco (Junco Hyemalis)

Insects:

• Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio rutulus)
• Two-tailed Swallowtail (Papilio multicaudata)
• Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)
• Western Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma californica)
• Blue Copper (Lycaena hteronea)
• Lupine Blue (Icaricia lupini)
• Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele)
• Mormon Fritillary (Speyeria mormonia)
• Weidemeyer’s Admiral (Limenitis weidemeyerii)
• European Paper Wasp (Polistes dominula)
• High-country Lady Beetle (Coccinella alta)
• Ornate Checkered Beetle (Trichodes ornatus)
• Common Pill Woodlouse (Armadillidium vulgare)
• California Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis californica)
• Coral Hairstreak (Satyrium titus)

Reptiles:

• Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox)
• Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans)
• Northern Rubber Boa (Charina bottae)

Amphibians:

• Boreal Toad (Bufo boreas boreas)
• Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum)
• Chorus Frog (Pseudacris)
• Columbia Spotted Frog (Rana luteiventris)

Fish:

• Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
• Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)
• Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis)
• Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii)
• Arctic Grayling (Thymallus arcticus)

Plants:

Trees:

• Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides)
• Gambel Oak (Quercus gambelii)
• Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii)
• Blue Spruce (Picea pungens)
• Engelmann Spruce (Picea engelmannii)
• Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus)
• Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta)
• White Fir (Abies concolor)
• Bigtooth Maple (Acer grandidentatum)
• Rocky Mountain Maple (Acer glabrum)
• Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum)
• Boxelder Maple (Acer negundo)
• Grey Alder (Alnus incana)
• Red Birch (Betula fontinalis)
• Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra)
• Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa)

Plants:

• Serviceberry (Amelanchier)
• Sago Lily (Calochortus nuttallii)
• Annual Sunflower (Helianthus annuus)
• Mountain Snowberry (Symphoricarpos oreophilus)
• Scarlet Gilia (Ipomopsis aggregata)
• Wood’s Rose (Rosa woodsii)
• Giant Red Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata)
• Heartleaf Arnica (Arnica cordifolia)
• Arrowleaf Balsamroot (Balsamorhiza sagittata)
• Single-Head Sunflower (Helianthella uniflora)
• Snowy Goldeneye (Heliomeris multiflora)
• Tufted Fleabane (Erigeron caespitosus)
• Aspen Fleabane (Erigeron speciosus)
• Aspen Bluebells (Mertensia arizonica)
• Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)
• Lady Fern (Athyrium filix-femina)
• Northern Holly Fern (Polystichum lonchitis)
• White Clover (Trifolium repens)
• Richardson’s Geranium (Geranium richardsonii)
• Blue Columbine (Aquilegia coerulea)
• Littleleaf Alumroot (Heuchera parvifolia)
• Longleaf Phlox (Phlox longifolia)
• Pink Alumroot (Heuchera rubescens)
• False Solomon’s Seal (Maianthemum racemosum)
• Clustered Lady’s Slipper (Cypripedium fasciculatum)
• Blue Elder (Sambucus cerulea)
• Twincrest Onion (Allium bisceptrum)
• Red Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa)
• Pigweed (Chenopodium album)
• Strawberry Blite (Chenopodium capitatum)
• Common Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Invasive Species:

• Myrtle Spurge (Euphorbia myrsinites)
• Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
• Houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale)
• Dyer’s Woad (Isatis tinctoria)
• Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica)
• Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

For more plant and animals:

https://www.inaturalist.org/places/mount-olympus-wilderness#taxon=1

These are commonly used practices in wilderness areas and watershed areas because they limit impact on an area and help keep the area healthy. Leave No Trace principles are:

Plan Ahead & Be Prepared

• Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit.
• Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
• Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
• Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
• Repackage food to minimize waste.
• Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces

• Durable surfaces include established trails, campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.
• Protected riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
• Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
• In popular areas:
  • Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
  • Walk in single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
  • Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
• In pristine areas:
  • Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails
  • Avoid places where human impact is just beginning to show.

Dispose of Waste Properly

• Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
• Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
• Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
• To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.

Leave What You Find

• Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
• Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.
• Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
• Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.

Minimize Campfire Impacts

• Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the environment. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
• Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
• Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.
• Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.

Respect Wildlife

• Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
• Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
• Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
• Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
• Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.

Be Considerate of Other Visitors

• Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
• Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
• Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
• Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
• Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.

To learn more about Leave No Trace:

https://lnt.org

General Wilderness Rules:

These are rules that apply to all wilderness areas.

These rules are:

• Motorized equipment is prohibited.
• Equipment used for mechanical transport are prohibited.
• Motor vehicles, motor boats, bikes, carts, gliders, wagons and the landing of aircraft and helicopters are all prohibited.

Specific Wilderness Rules:

• Group cannot exceed 10 people.
• Must camp 200 feet or farther from trail or source of water.
• Camp 100 feet from other campsites.
• Maximum stay at one campsite is 3 days.
• No short cutting switchbacks.
• Must pack out garbage, waste and debris.
• Camping is restricted ½ mile from Big Cottonwood Highway and Mill Creek Canyon Road, 200 feet from any trail or source of water and 100 feet from any other campers.
• Campfires are prohibited ½ mile from Big Cottonwood Highway and Mill Creek Canyon Road.
• Dogs are prohibited on the Big Cottonwood side of the wilderness area.
• Dogs must be under verbal control or leashed on the Mill Creek Canyon side of Mount Olympus and leashed on even numbered days of the month in Salt Lake County. This is a Salt Lake City ordinance.
• Bathing, swimming and wading in bodies of water on the Big Cottonwood side of the wilderness area is prohibited.
• Pack out waste, do not leave it in a wilderness area.
• Pack or saddle stock cannot be restrained within 200 feet of water on the Mill Creek side of the wilderness.
• Pack and saddle stock are prohibited in the Big Cottonwood side of the wilderness.

Watershed Rules:

Parts of this Wilderness lay within watershed areas, so there are special concerns to remember when in this area. Watershed rules to follow are:

• No dogs or domesticated animals.
• Must camp 200 feet or farther from any body of water.
• No swimming, bathing, or washing clothing, utensils and other products.
• It is prohibited to pollute or allow pollution in any body of water.
• To deposit human excreta within the watershed area other than into approved toilets is prohibited.

To learn more about why wilderness rules are placed:

https://wilderness.net/learn-about-wilderness/regulations.php

There are 12 trail systems in Mount Olympus Wilderness. These trails are:

• Mill B North Fork Trail
• Neffs Canyon Trail
• Butler Fork Trail
• Z Trail to Tolcats Canyon
• Mill A Basin Trail
• Heughs Canyon Trail
• BST: Tolcats Canyon to Heughs Canyon
• Mount Raymond Summit Trail
• Desolation Trail
• Thaynes Canyon Trail
• Bowman Fork Trail
• Alexander-Bowman Trail

Are dogs allowed in Mount Olympus Wilderness?

Yes, dogs are allowed in Mount Olympus Wilderness, but in specific spots. Dogs are not allowed within areas of this wilderness that fall into the designated watershed. Dogs are prohibited on the Big Cottonwood side of the wilderness area. Dogs must be under verbal control or leashed on the Mill Creek Canyon side of Mount Olympus and leashed on even numbered days of the month in Salt Lake County. This is a Salt Lake City ordinance.

Is Mount Olympus Wilderness in a watershed area?

Yes, parts of Mount Olympus fall into the designated watershed, but the entire wilderness area is not in a watershed area. When recreating make sure you know your location to ensure you are following the proper rules.

Are pack animals allowed in Mount Olympus?

Pack animals are allowed in parts of Mount Olympus, but are not allowed in other wilderness areas in the Central Wasatch Mountains. Pack or saddle animals cannot be restrained within 200 feet of water on the Mill Creek side of the wilderness. These animals are prohibited in the Big Cottonwood side of the wilderness.

Mount Olympus Wilderness Area was designated in 1984 as part of the Utah Wilderness Act. This area is 15,292 acres, which is located southwest of Salt Lake City and is between Big Cottonwood Canyon and Mill Creek Canyon. Mt Olympus Wilderness ranges from 5000 feet to 10,000 feet in elevation and is home to unparalleled backcountry skiing, splitboarding, snowshoeing and hiking. High peaks and shaded valleys are sought out by the many visitors to this highly accessible wilderness area. Notable peaks in this area are Mount Olympus, Gobblers Knob and Mount Raymond.