Last updated July 1, 2026
The Wasatch 7: Every Peak, Trail & the Full Challenge
Seven summits ring Utah Valley — every one above 10,000 feet, from the granite of Lone Peak to the high crown of Mount Nebo. Together they form one of Utah’s great peakbagging challenges. This is the complete guide: every peak profiled, every standard trail, the difficulty order, and exactly how to link all seven.
The Wasatch 7 are the seven 10,000 ft+ peaks around Utah Valley: Nebo, Timpanogos, Lone Peak, Provo Peak, Cascade, Loafer, and Spanish Fork Peak. All are strenuous full-day hikes, snow-free only about July–September. Lone Peak is the hardest, Nebo the highest, Provo Peak the steepest. Most hikers take a few summers; the fittest link all seven in under a week.
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What Is the Wasatch 7?
The Wasatch 7 are the seven major peaks that line Utah Valley — the wall of mountains you see looking east from Provo, Orem, and the towns strung down toward Nephi. Every one clears 10,000 feet, and each demands a full day of real effort: big elevation gain, and on several, route-finding and scrambling. They are not beginner hikes.
Because all seven top 10,000 ft, they’re only reliably climbable in the short summer window — roughly July through September — when the access roads open and the snow clears. Most people take a few years to finish all seven; a determined few knock them out in a single summer, living up to Utah’s state motto, “Life Elevated.” For the wider range, see our Wasatch Range peaks and best mountains in Utah guides.
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All seven by elevation, with the standard trailhead and typical round-trip figures. Distances and gains vary by route — treat these as planning ranges.
| # | Peak | Elevation | Standard trailhead | Round trip | Gain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mount Nebo | 11,928 ft | Nebo Loop (Mona/Payson) | ~9 mi | ~3,600 ft |
| 2 | Mount Timpanogos | 11,752 ft | Timpooneke / Aspen Grove | ~14–15 mi | ~4,400–5,300 ft |
| 3 | Lone Peak | 11,253 ft | Jacob’s Ladder / Cherry Canyon | ~13–16 mi | ~5,500–6,600 ft |
| 4 | Provo Peak | 11,068 ft | Squaw Peak Road | ~3–4 mi | ~2,700 ft |
| 5 | Cascade Mountain | 10,908 ft | Big Springs / Squaw Peak Rd | ~8–9 mi | ~4,000 ft |
| 6 | Loafer Mountain | 10,687 ft | Loafer Mtn Trail (Nebo Loop) | ~11 mi | ~3,600 ft |
| 7 | Spanish Fork Peak | 10,192 ft | Maple Canyon (right fork) | ~9–10 mi | ~4,600 ft |
Peak by Peak: All Seven
Each of the Wasatch 7 in order of elevation — its character, the standard route, and what makes it worth the day.
Mount Nebo Highest
The crown of the Wasatch — the highest point in the entire range and in Utah County, rising straight above Nephi. Nebo actually has three summits, with the north summit the true high point. The standard North Peak trail off the Nebo Loop is well-maintained but long and strenuous, climbing steadily past a bench trail to a false summit before the final ridge. Big, open views in every direction reward the effort.
Mount Timpanogos Longest
“Timp” is the mountain that dominates the Utah Valley skyline and, for many Utahns, a rite of passage (pictured in the header above). Two classic routes reach the summit — Timpooneke (longer, gentler) and Aspen Grove (steeper, more gain) — both passing wildflower basins, Emerald Lake, a permanent snowfield, and the resident mountain goats. It’s the longest of the seven for most hikers; start before dawn to beat afternoon storms.
Lone Peak Hardest
The hardest of the seven and a genuine test — a huge day with the most elevation gain and an exposed granite scramble near the top through the famous Lone Peak Cirque. Approaches from Jacob’s Ladder (recently improved switchbacks) or Cherry Canyon involve real route-finding once the trail turns to rock. Solid, grippy granite and hands-on climbing make the summit push exhilarating — but it earns its reputation. Do your homework on the crux before you go.
Provo Peak Steepest
The “sleepy giant” between Timp and Nebo — and the steepest of the seven for its length. From the upper Squaw Peak Road trailhead the standard line gains roughly 2,700 ft in about 1.5 miles, a relentless grind with almost no switchbacks. The payoff is a quiet summit with 360-degree views over Utah County. Short on mileage, big on burn.
Cascade Mountain Rugged
The rugged wall east of Provo — less traveled and less user-friendly than its famous neighbor Timpanogos, which is exactly why some hikers love it. Squaw Peak forms its lower shoulder, but the true summit involves genuine route-finding through boulders and a scramble to the top. Cairns mark the way, but a GPS track earns its keep here. Quiet, wild, and a real sense of accomplishment.
Loafer Mountain Moderate
A south-county landmark reached from the Loafer Mountain Trail off the Nebo Loop. The route climbs over (or past) Santaquin Peak — which sits right on the trail and is only about 2 ft lower — before a short off-trail push to Loafer’s true summit. Newer switchbacks have eased the grade. The forested lower half gives way to open ridgeline with wide views of Utah Lake, Timp, and Nebo.
Spanish Fork Peak Steep
The lowest of the seven but far from the easiest — it stands alone with nearly 3,000 ft of prominence, climbing roughly 4,600 ft in under six miles from the right fork of Maple Canyon. Waterfalls early, then a relentless, sustained grade to a summit that feels bigger than its elevation, with wildflowers and often solitude. A worthy final piece of the set.
Difficulty: Hardest to Easiest
Every one of the seven is a serious day, but they don’t all test the same thing. Roughly ranked by overall challenge:
| Rank | Peak | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 1 · Hardest | Lone Peak | Biggest day, most gain, exposed granite scramble and route-finding. |
| 2 | Mount Timpanogos | The longest by distance; high total gain and altitude. |
| 3 | Cascade Mountain | Route-finding and a boulder scramble to the true summit. |
| 4 | Spanish Fork Peak | Relentless, sustained steepness (~4,600 ft in under 6 mi). |
| 5 | Mount Nebo | Long and strenuous, but on a maintained trail the whole way. |
| 6 | Loafer Mountain | Long but mostly trailed; the gentlest big-mileage option. |
| 7 · Steep sprint | Provo Peak | Shortest, but brutally steep – ~2,700 ft in ~1.5 mi. |
Rankings are subjective and depend on route and conditions – snow, heat, and afternoon storms can make any of these far harder on a given day.
How to Complete the Challenge
There’s no official registry and no fixed order — the challenge is simply to summit all seven. Two realistic approaches:
- Over a few summers (most people). Pick off one or two per season as fitness and schedules allow. This is how the large majority complete the Wasatch 7, and it lets you wait for good conditions on the harder peaks.
- In a single summer, or a single push (the ambitious). Fit hikers link all seven across one July–September window. The fastest self-supported efforts have connected them in roughly 6 days — on the order of 77–96 miles and 30,000–40,000 ft of total gain, depending on routes chosen.
A sensible order builds from shorter and trailed to longest and most technical: start with Provo Peak or Loafer, move through Nebo, Cascade, and Spanish Fork, and save Timpanogos and Lone Peak for when you’re strongest. If you’re after more Utah objectives, our Utah Six-Pack of Peaks and Utah 13ers guides are the natural next steps.
Season, Safety & What to Bring
These are big mountains with real hazards despite being “just” day hikes. Plan for the conditions, not the elevation on the sign.
Season: roughly July–September; north slopes and summit blocks can hold snow into July. Afternoon thunderstorms build fast in mid-summer — start before dawn and be off the summit by early afternoon. Water: most of these routes have none, so carry plenty. Mountain goats (especially on Timp) are common — give nannies and kids space. And several summits involve scrambling and loose rock, so a helmet and gloves earn their place on Lone Peak and Cascade.
Fitness is the real gatekeeper — these are 3,000–6,600 ft days. Build up with our mountaineering fitness standards, dial in layers with the layering guide, and pack from the gear checklist. New to peaks this size? Start on our best beginner peaks and which mountain should you climb? guides first.
Wasatch 7 FAQ
What are the Wasatch 7 peaks?
The seven major peaks ringing Utah Valley, all above 10,000 ft: Mount Nebo (11,928 ft), Mount Timpanogos (11,752 ft), Lone Peak (11,253 ft), Provo Peak (11,068 ft), Cascade Mountain (10,908 ft), Loafer Mountain (10,687 ft), and Spanish Fork Peak (10,192 ft).
Which of the Wasatch 7 is the hardest?
Lone Peak – a 13-16 mile day with 5,500-6,600 ft of gain and an exposed granite scramble near the summit. Timpanogos is the longest, and Provo Peak the steepest for its length (~2,700 ft in ~1.5 mi).
What is the highest of the Wasatch 7?
Mount Nebo at 11,928 ft – also the highest peak in the entire Wasatch Range and Utah County. It has three summits; the north summit is the true high point.
How long does it take to complete the Wasatch 7?
Most hikers spread them across a few summers, since all seven are only reliably snow-free from about July to September. The fittest link all seven in a single summer, and the fastest self-supported efforts have done it in roughly 6 days.
When can you hike the Wasatch 7?
Roughly July through September, when the high trailheads and roads clear of snow. Early July can still hold snow up high; September brings the most stable weather but shorter days.
Are the Wasatch 7 good for beginners?
No – all seven are strenuous full-day hikes with heavy gain, and several involve route-finding or scrambling. Build up on shorter Wasatch trails first.
In what order should you climb them?
No fixed order, but a common progression runs from shorter/trailed to longest/most technical: Provo or Loafer first, then Nebo, Cascade, and Spanish Fork, saving Timpanogos and Lone Peak for last.
Do you need a permit?
No summit permits, but some trailheads have changed – the Timpooneke and Aspen Grove areas for Timpanogos now use paid, sometimes reservation-based parking via recreation.gov on weekends and holidays. Check current status before each hike.
Methodology & Sources
How this guide is built.
- Elevations per USGS; distances and gains compiled from Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest trail data and standard-route records, given as ranges because each peak has multiple approaches.
- Trailhead and access details change year to year (road openings, parking reservations) – verify current status before every hike.
- Local & research-based, updated each season. Editor: Travis Ludlow (Nephi, Utah). Reviewed by Walker Ludlow (gear & systems). Published July 3, 2026.
About the Authors
Seven Summits, One Valley
From the granite of Lone Peak to the crown of Mount Nebo, the Wasatch 7 are Utah Valley’s home-turf challenge. Pick your first, watch the weather, and start climbing.
Explore Utah’s peaks → Train for the challenge →Was this helpful?
Global Summit Guide is an independent mountaineering resource founded in 2026. The team combines first-hand trekking and climbing experience with in-depth research and professional health and nutrition review to help climbers choose objectives, prepare properly, and stay safe.
Health, altitude, and nutrition content is reviewed by Taylor Ludlow (Registered Nurse) and Brigg Hoopes (Nutritionist).
What We Don't Know Yet
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