EXPLORING WASATCH WILDERNESS

PART TWO OF A TEN PART SERIES

MOUNT OLYMPUS WILDERNESS AREA

(Source: USFS)The Mount Olympus Wilderness was established by Congress in 1984 with the passage of the Utah Wilderness Act. Located within the central Wasatch range, the area consists of approximately 15,856 acres and is generally bounded on the north by Mill Creek Canyon, on the south by Big Cottonwood Canyon, on the west by the Salt Lake Valley, and on the east by Gobbler's Knob, Alexander Basin, and Dog Lake. The portion in Big Cottonwood Canyon falls under Salt Lake City watershed restrictions.
There are several entry points in each canyon and along the Front as well. They include the following: Mount Olympus Trail and Neff's Canyon from the benches along the front; Thayne's Canyon, Porter Fork (private road), Bowman Fork, and Alexander Basin on the northern or Mill Creek Canyon side; and Mill B North Fork and Butler Fork on the south side from Big Cottonwood Canyon. You can also enter the Wilderness about a quarter of a mile west of Dog Lake.

The Dog Lake entry receives most of the mountain bicycle violations. Bicyclist like to ride the Desolation Trail to the Mill A Basin Trail and out or exit the forest by way of Butler Fork. You will also see a little less use here in general except for the increasing problem with mountain bikes (mountain bikes are not allowed in wilderness areas).

The Mount Olympus Wilderness provides a spectacular backdrop for the Salt Lake Valley and is dominated by rugged terrain, narrow canyons, and high peaks, including Mount Olympus, Mount Raymond, and Gobbler's Knob. Much of the higher elevation is alpine, characterized by large, open cirque basins, and exposed rocky ridges.  Snow remains in some areas until mid-summer.

Broads let's help educate the public! To preserve and protect the physical and aesthetic environment, National Forest wilderness areas are closed to motor vehicles, mechanized equipment, hang gliders, and bicycles. 

Full disclosure - we are not wilderness experts! Part of our mission as volunteer GOBFW leaders is to educate ourselves and others about wilderness, wild places and public lands. Our 2023 theme is Walking the Wilderness and we encourage all Broads and Bros to get to know your Utah (and especially Wasatch Front and Back) wilderness areas better. The more educated we are about these wild places, the better prepared we will be to rally against wilderness mistreatment.  Many of us are probably not going to hoist our ancient, heavy backpack onto our broken and creaky backs anymore, but we can get a peak at these special places and learn more about their unique features.