Which Twin Peaks are which?

[rockgremlin]

I am comparing beta for Twin Peaks. High in Utah says that the Twin Peaks rise to 11,433, and 11,489. They have a nifty little map drawn up showing the location of Twin Peaks being right on the county line separating Salt Lake and Utah counties, DUE SOUTH of Snowbird ski resort. In fact, they tell you to park at Snowbird, and hike up the southern slope.

But if you consult a topo map, the Twin Peaks rise to 11,330, and 11,328, and are located NORTHWEST of Snowbird ski resort. The only peaks due south of Snowbird are: Thunder Mountain, Mt Baldy, and White Baldy.

Hey High in Utah guys: I'm callin you out!!! Methinks you are publishing bad beta!!

Can someone else back me up??

[stefan]

I am comparing beta for Twin Peaks. High in Utah says that the Twin Peaks rise to 11,433, and 11,489. They have a nifty little map drawn up showing the location of Twin Peaks being right on the county line separating Salt Lake and Utah counties, DUE SOUTH of Snowbird ski resort. In fact, they tell you to park at Snowbird, and hike up the southern slope.

But if you consult a topo map, the Twin Peaks rise to 11,330, and 11,328, and are located NORTHWEST of Snowbird ski resort. The only peaks due south of Snowbird are: Thunder Mountain, Mt Baldy, and White Baldy.

RG there are two sets of twin peaks. one is part of snowbird, dividing little cottonwood and american fork ... these are due south of snowbird and are 11,433, and 11,489. sometimes called "american fork twin peaks"
here's someone's photo of them ...




the other set is the twin peaks (broads fork twin peaks) you see from the salt lake valley, the beautiful alp-like sharp peaks. these are between big and little cottonwood canyons and are due northwest from snowbird which rise to 11,330, and 11,328 ... these form the twin peaks wilderness area. here's a photo i took from near the top of olympus looking across to the "northern" twin peaks.

[Scott P]

RG there are two sets of twin peaks

.

Actually three sets in Salt Lake County alone ! See the map links:


http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=...lon=-111.84028

http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=...lon=-111.72028

http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=...lon=-111.65583

Look how many are in Utah alone!!

http://www.topozone.com/viewmaps.asp...s&statefips=49

[stefan]

right, the third set are also known as the "avenues twin peaks" since they adjacent to the "avenues" area of salt lake. i grew up very near them, but they are very small by comparison, so i didn't bring them up.

yeah, try looking up bear or eagle or deer anything in alaska ... sheesh, they need to be a little more original up there.

[rockgremlin]

Aha!! Thank you!! I started off reading Climb-Utah's description, and then went to the High in Utah description. I at first thought they were referring to the same peaks.

[Scott P]

Rockgremlin, meet me at Silver Lake and I'll explain it all to you.

[rockgremlin]

Which Silver Lake?

[rockgremlin]

Why aren't the American Fork Twin Peaks designated on an atlas? They designated Storm Mountain, but not the highest peaks in SL county?

[James_B_Wads2000]

yeah, try looking up bear or eagle or deer anything in alaska ... sheesh, they need to be a little more original up there.

Or in Utah look up Cottonwood wash/canyon, Bald or Baldy peak and Dry creek or dry fork.

James

[stefan]

Or in Utah look up Cottonwood wash/canyon, Bald or Baldy peak and Dry creek or dry fork.

right!!


rockgremlin, so which are you planning to hike? the broadsfork twins i imagine. hopefully the air will be clear for you. it's a pretty spectacular peak. though i think the hike to the saddle between the twins and sunrise (o'sullivan) is a little sketchy (loose rock/dirt).

[rockgremlin]

I'm shooting for the American Fork Twins - in keeping with my goal of hiking all the highest peaks in all Utah counties.

Wish me luck. Wanna come?

[stefan]

I'm shooting for the American Fork Twins - in keeping with my goal of hiking all the highest peaks in all Utah counties.

Wish me luck. Wanna come?

right on! highest peaks, i see, well those have a spectacular view as well. i love the view of the NE aspect of timpanogos. if you had a car shuttle, you could hike up to the twins, west along the ridge, and down white pine or even red pine if you have the time/energy/desire. i'd love to come with you, but i won't be able to sorry.

[Iceaxe]

AF Twins are easy if you ride the tram up

The traverse of Hidden Peak, AF Twin and Red Baldy is known as the "Bullion Divide".

[James_B_Wads2000]

I'm shooting for the American Fork Twins - in keeping with my goal of hiking all the highest peaks in all Utah counties.

Wish me luck. Wanna come?

What route are you going to do?

[rockgremlin]

Probably the route outlined in High in Utah, since I know of no other route (this being my first time).

[Iceaxe]

Here is what I consider the best Wasatch hiking guide.

Hiking the Wasatch by John Veranth
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/087...lance&n=283155

It has a bunch of good routes and should be in every SLC hikers library.

[stefan]

yup ... excellent book

[rockgremlin]

Hey has anyone out there done this hike? How much time will I need? I realize that this is a relative question, but give me a ballpark....

[Scott P]

I'm shooting for the American Fork Twins - in keeping with my goal of hiking all the highest peaks in all Utah counties

I don't know if my opinion matters too much on this, but personally, I would consider Broads Fork Twin Peaks to be way neater than American Fork Twins, though both are worth the visit.

PS, plan on a full day for BFTP and a long half day from AFTP.

[Iceaxe]

Yeah I've done the hike but I rode the tram up

Here is the entry from my logbook.

American Fork Twin Peaks (West Summit) 11,489'
Climbed 8/15/98

1:30 to summit from top of Snowbird Tram. Scrambling required with some exposure. Also climbed Red Stack (next peak west), descended via Gad Valley/White Pine ridge than down Gad Valley and back to tram house.

If I remember it took about 5 hours for the loop I did. Add 2 or 3 hours if hiking to the top of Hidden Peak.