Catherine's Pass Trail and Mount Wolverine Trail

Starting your adventure near Salt Lake County, Utah, the Catherine's Pass Trail and Mount Wolverine Trail offer a rewarding loop of approximately 10 km (6.2 miles) with an elevation gain of around 700 meters (2,300 feet). This medium-difficulty trail provides a mix of stunning alpine scenery, diverse wildlife, and historical significance.### Getting There To reach the trailhead, you can drive or use public transportation. If driving, head towards the Brighton Ski Resort, located at 8302 S Brighton Loop Rd, Brighton, UT 84121. There is ample parking available near the resort. For those using public transport, take the UTA Ski Bus Route 972, which operates during the ski season and drops you off near the resort.### Trail Overview The trail begins at the Brighton Ski Resort, where you will find clear signage directing you towards Catherine's Pass. The initial section of the trail is a steady climb through dense pine forests, offering shade and a cool environment. After approximately 1.5 km (0.9 miles), you will reach the first significant landmark, Lake Mary. This serene alpine lake is a great spot for a short break and some photography.### Ascending to Catherine's Pass Continuing from Lake Mary, the trail ascends more steeply, gaining elevation quickly. After another 2 km (1.2 miles), you will arrive at Catherine's Pass, sitting at an elevation of about 3,000 meters (9,842 feet). The pass offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, making it a popular spot for hikers to pause and take in the scenery.### Wildlife and Flora As you hike, keep an eye out for local wildlife, including mule deer, marmots, and various bird species. The area is also rich in wildflowers during the summer months, with Indian paintbrush, lupine, and columbine adding splashes of color to the landscape.### Historical Significance The region around Catherine's Pass has a rich history, with Native American tribes such as the Ute and Shoshone having traversed these mountains for centuries. The area was also explored by early Mormon settlers in the mid-19th century, who used the passes for trade and travel.### Climbing Mount Wolverine From Catherine's Pass, the trail continues towards Mount Wolverine. This section is more rugged and less defined, so it's advisable to use a reliable navigation tool like HiiKER to stay on track. The climb to Mount Wolverine is about 2 km (1.2 miles) with an elevation gain of approximately 200 meters (656 feet). The summit of Mount Wolverine, at an elevation of 3,300 meters (10,827 feet), offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the Wasatch Range.### Descending Back The descent from Mount Wolverine loops back towards the Brighton Ski Resort. This section of the trail is less steep but requires careful footing due to loose rocks and gravel. The final 3.5 km (2.2 miles) of the trail take you through open meadows and patches of forest, eventually leading you back to the trailhead.### Preparation and Safety Given the elevation and potential for sudden weather changes, it's essential to be well-prepared. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and layers of clothing to adjust to varying temperatures. A good pair of hiking boots is recommended for the rocky sections. Always check the weather forecast before heading out and let someone know your plans.This trail offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, challenging terrain, and historical context, making it a must-do for any hiking enthusiast visiting the Salt Lake County area.