Best mountain peaks around Emigration Canyon are found east of Salt Lake City in Utah's Wasatch Range. This area features accessible mountain peaks that offer diverse experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. The canyon holds historical significance as part of the route used by early pioneers entering the Salt Lake Valley. Its natural landscape provides varied terrain, from ridgeline trails to prominent summits.
Last updated: April 30, 2026
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Wonderful viewpoint on the Mount Wire trail
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Mount Wire (also known as Wire Mountain or Big Beacon[3]) is a mountain located on the east side of Salt Lake City, Utah with an elevation of 7,146 feet (2,178 m). The mountain is named after Lester Wire, an American policeman of Salt Lake City, Utah, who in 1912 developed the first red-green electric traffic light.[4] Mount Wire is a common spot for adventurous hikers and has many access trails, some created by nearby Red Butte Gardens. The east side of the University of Utah offers direct access to trails to the summit. Mount Wire formerly could be identified from other nearby mountains by its two passive microwave repeaters near the summit. These billboard like structures were used to bounce microwave signals over the mountain to the north-eastern parts of Utah. Mount Wire also houses an old airway beacon directly on the summit. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Wire
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"Little Mountain Pass" is really the summit of Little Mountain. There are awesome views from this high point on Emigration Canyon Road.
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"Little Mountain Pass" is really the summit of Little Mountain. There are awesome views from this high point on Emigration Canyon Road.
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Jack's Mailbox Peak is a short summit with a big story. In 1995 a little boy named Jack Edwards died of leukemia and his parents decided to scatter his ashes on this peak. At the peak, you will find a couple of mailboxes containing journals with these instructions: “Please take a moment to say hello to Jackie Jack and write a little (or long) note.” Reading through what others have written and shared in these journals is part of the experience of this summit. It also has a great view overlooking Salt Lake City.
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Red Butte is a great spot to look out over North Salt Lake, especially around dusk.
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"Little Mountain Pass" is really the summit of Little Mountain. There are awesome views from this high point on Emigration Canyon Road.
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Among the most popular peaks, Little Mountain Summit offers awesome views and historical significance as the last obstacle for pioneers. Mount Wire is known for its old airway beacon and wonderful viewpoints of Salt Lake City. For a unique and touching experience, Jack's Mailbox Peak provides journals for visitors to share notes in memory of Jack Edwards, alongside great views.
Yes, Ensign Peak is considered family-friendly and offers beautiful views over Salt Lake City, especially at sunrise or sunset. Its relatively easy access makes it a great option for families.
Emigration Canyon itself is historically significant as part of the route used by the Donner Party in 1846 and where Mormon pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. Little Mountain Summit, in particular, was the last major obstacle for early pioneers entering the valley. Mount Wire is named after Lester Wire, who developed the first red-green electric traffic light, and still houses an old airway beacon on its summit.
Many peaks in the area are accessible year-round. Spring and fall offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making them ideal for hiking. During shoulder seasons, when higher mountains might still be snow-covered, peaks like Little Mountain are excellent options due to their easy access and sun exposure. Winter also provides stunning views of snow-covered landscapes, with some areas suitable for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
Yes, Dale Peak and Perkins Peak, often hiked together along the Emigration Canyon Ridge Trail, are considered non-technical with no scrambling required, making them suitable for beginner hikers. For more options, you can explore easy hikes around Emigration Canyon, which include routes like the Sugar House Park Loop and Parley's Historic Nature Park Trail Loop.
While many trails in Utah are dog-friendly, it's important to note that dogs are strictly prohibited on the Emigration Canyon Ridge Trail (leading to Dale Peak and Perkins Peak) as it lies directly on the Salt Lake City watershed line. Always check specific trail regulations before heading out with your pet.
The peaks around Emigration Canyon offer diverse and often panoramic views. From Little Mountain Summit, you'll get awesome views of the surrounding area. Mount Wire and Ensign Peak provide wonderful viewpoints of Salt Lake City and the valley. Lookout Peak is particularly known for its expansive vistas of Emigration and City Creek Canyons, as well as the Salt Lake Valley, throughout much of the ascent.
Absolutely. The area offers various routes for different activities. For runners, you can find challenging trails like Mount Wire via Living Room Trail among the running trails around Emigration Canyon. Cyclists can explore extensive routes, including those that pass Little Mountain Summit, as detailed in the road cycling routes around Emigration Canyon guide.
Jack's Mailbox Peak is unique due to its poignant story and interactive element. At the summit, you'll find mailboxes containing journals where visitors can write notes in memory of Jack Edwards, a boy whose ashes were scattered there. Reading and contributing to these journals, along with enjoying the great view overlooking Salt Lake City, makes for a memorable and touching visit.
Ensign Peak is beautifully situated to give views over Salt Lake City and the valley, making it especially notable for sunrise or sunset. Additionally, Red Butte is a great spot to look out over North Salt Lake, particularly around dusk.
Dale Peak stands at 7,367 feet, and Perkins Peak reaches 7,491 feet. Mount Wire has an elevation of 7,146 feet (2,178 m). Lookout Peak involves about 2,700 feet of elevation gain to its summit, offering a moderately strenuous hike.


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