Utah Range High Points
Utah has over 80 named mountain ranges — from alpine granite summits in the Uintas to desert canyon-country peaks above Moab, isolated Great Basin ranges near Nevada, and volcanic plateaus above Cedar City. This challenge visits the highest summit of every major range: a complete tour of Utah’s mountain kingdoms.
A Tour of Utah’s Mountain Kingdoms
No other peakbagging challenge in Utah covers more geographical and geological diversity than visiting the highest point of each major mountain range. In a single campaign you move from the remote Uinta granite wilderness to the red-rock alpine island of the La Sal Mountains above Moab, from the high volcanic plateau country of southwestern Utah to the isolated granite oasis of the Deep Creek Range — one of the loneliest peaks in the American West.
This list is anchored by Utah’s 8 ultra-prominent summits — the peaks that rise more than 5,000 ft above their surroundings, a global distinction. All 8 appear here because every one of them is also the highest point of its range. Beyond those, the list extends to include the high points of the major plateau systems, desert ranges, and northern Utah’s Bear River and Stansbury Mountains, giving the challenge its full statewide sweep.
Mount Nebo (11,928 ft) is the high point of the Wasatch Range — the longest mountain range in Utah and the range that defines the state’s identity. At the southern end of the Wasatch above Nephi and Mona, Nebo is the crown of your local mountains and the natural centerpiece of this challenge for anyone in central Utah. See our dedicated Wasatch Range Peaks page for full trail details.
Map: Utah’s Mountain Ranges
The 17 range high points are distributed across the full breadth of Utah — from the Bear River Mountains near the Idaho border in the north to Navajo Mountain near the Arizona border in the south, and from the Deep Creek Range near Nevada in the west to the La Sal Mountains above Moab in the east.
Utah Mountain Ranges — Statewide
17 range high points across 5 geographic zones · NE to SW, 400+ miles
The Complete Checklist — 17 Range High Points
Optimal Climbing Seasons for Utah’s Five Mountain Zones
The challenge spans five very different climatic zones. The Uinta peaks require July–September backpacking windows; the lower desert and canyon country peaks can be accessible nearly year-round. Plan each zone separately.
By Zone
Mid-July – mid-September only. Snowpack above 11,000 ft persists into July. Afternoon thunderstorms July–August. Wilderness permits required for overnight camping (Recreation.gov, July 1–Sep 10).
June – October for most peaks. Mount Nebo’s Nebo Loop Road opens late May. Start summits before 8 am in July–August to beat afternoon storms.
June – October. Brian Head and Fish Lake Hightop accessible by car road most of the season. Aquarius Plateau and Tushar peaks clear by mid-June most years.
May – October. Ibapah Peak requires a very long drive on rough dirt roads — plan an overnight. Deep Creek Range access depends on Goshute Reservation boundaries to the west; approach from the east (Callao).
May – November for most canyon country peaks. La Sal Pass road may be muddy or snow-covered in early spring. Navajo Mountain access via Navajo Mountain Road from Page, AZ side — verify current access with Navajo Nation (the mountain is within the Navajo Reservation and a permit is required).
General Season Bar (For Most Peaks)
Planning Your Utah Range Tour
Recommended Approach by Experience Level
- New to Utah peakbagging: Start with Fish Lake Hightop (drive-to summit, easy walk), Bluebell Knoll / Boulder Mountain (accessible plateau), and Brian Head (ski resort access). Then move to Naomi Peak and Mount Ellen before tackling the big objectives.
- Intermediate hikers: Mount Nebo and Timpanogos in the Wasatch, Delano Peak in the Tushars, and Abajo Peak via the road all make excellent multi-day weekend objectives.
- Experienced peak baggers: Mount Peale in the La Sals (Class 2–3, loose rock), Ibapah Peak in the Deep Creek Range (extremely remote), and Kings Peak / Gilbert Peak in the Uintas (multi-day backpacking) are the signature challenges.
- Special access: Navajo Mountain requires a Navajo Nation permit. Confirm current access requirements with the Navajo Parks and Recreation Department before planning.
The Ultra-Prominent Eight
Utah’s eight ultra-prominent summits — those rising more than 5,000 ft above their surroundings — represent the most dramatic and isolated peaks in the state. All eight are included in this challenge. In order of prominence: Kings Peak, Mount Peale, Mount Ellen, Mount Nebo, Mount Timpanogos, Ibapah Peak, Deseret Peak, Flat Top Mountain (Oquirrh). Completing all eight is a worthy sub-challenge within the broader range high points list.
Navigation: Download CalTopo and Gaia GPS offline maps before heading into the Uintas, Deep Creek Range, or any plateau country — cell service is nonexistent in most of these areas.
Vehicle: A high-clearance vehicle or 4WD is strongly recommended for Ibapah Peak (Deep Creek Range), Delano Peak (Tushar Mountains), and several canyon country trailheads. Check road conditions before leaving pavement.
Water: Mount Nebo and some Wasatch peaks have limited on-trail water. Carry at least 3–4 liters for any summit over 10,000 ft.