Mount OlympUS Trail
📍Holladay, Utah (6.9 miles / 4,124 ft)
🐾 Doable, yes. But Matilda says ‘let them nap at home’.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Hard. Steep. Absolutely worth it.
Why Mount Olympus Belongs on Your Utah Hiking List
Since temporarily relocating to Utah, the Mount Olympus hike has been at the top of our must-hike list. At just under seven miles but with more than 4,000 feet of elevation gain, we knew this one would be a challenge. And it didn’t disappoint.
Beating the Heat: Timing Matters
We started before sunrise to avoid the midday heat, and the parking lot was already about three-quarters full. This wasn’t the casual hiking crowd you sometimes find on nearby trails—it was clear that most people were here for serious elevation gain.
The first mile is relatively moderate, overlapping with a section of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. But once you hit Tolcat Canyon around mile two, the trail quickly ramps up in difficulty.
Fuel, Focus and the Brutal Middle Miles
Around 2.5 miles in, I started to feel the effects of a light breakfast. Dizziness set in, and it was a good reminder of how important fueling is for steep climbs like this. After a short break (and a pack of ProBar Bolt Energy chews), I felt much better and ready to tackle the final push—nearly 2,000 more feet of gain in less than two miles.
The Final Rock Scramble: Fun, Challenging, and Worth It
The last quarter mile is the highlight of the Mount Olympus hike: a rock scramble to the summit. While it looks intimidating from below, it’s manageable with good footwear that has solid tread. Compared to Mount Si’s final ascent, it felt far less daunting and a lot more fun.
At the top, hikers are rewarded with sweeping 360-degree views of the Salt Lake Valley and the Wasatch Range. A weathered mailbox sits at the summit, stuffed with notes and signatures from previous hikers. We lingered there with a few small groups, all quietly soaking in the views from the rocks.
The Descent: A True Test for Knees and Joints
The descent is where the challenge shifts from lungs to knees. The steep grade, especially between miles 3.5 and 4.5, can be tough on the joints. Friends with knee issues have said this was the hardest part for them. Trekking poles definitely would have helped.
By the time we made it back to the trailhead around 10 a.m., the trail had quieted down. With most of the route exposed, we’d strongly recommend an early start or tackling this hike on a cooler day.
Mount Olympus Rewards the Gritty and Determined
Mount Olympus is one of those hikes that pushes you but rewards you tenfold. The steep climb, the exciting scramble, and the breathtaking views at the summit make it a true Utah classic. It’s tough, yes—but it’s also unforgettable.
If you’re ready to test your legs and lungs, this trail is a must-do in the Wasatch.
🧭 AllTrails – Mount Olympus Trail
Check out more trails in our Happy Trails section.