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Mount Superior Approach

Alta & Snowbird

Park City and Deer Valley

Salt Lake City

Wasatch Backcountry

This is the easiest and safest approach to Mount Superior via Cardiff Pass and the Eastern Ridge.

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
3.1 km
Ascent
801 m
Descent
78 m
Duration
2-3 hrs
Low Point
2.6 km
High Point
3.4 km
Gradient
37˚
Mount Superior Approach Map

This is a climb of almost 3,000 feet that accesses one of the most iconic peaks in the Wasatch. Park at Our Lady of the Snow roughly 7 miles up Little Cottonwood Canyon. Head up to Cardiff Pass following the power lines. From the pass stay on the ridge and head W. This ridge rises up and then drops down again along some cornices, but stay on the ridge and continue along trending on the S side of the ridge when it's too rocky on the true ridge. You'll climb up again towards Little Superior. The trail usually turns to booting up the ridge at this point, and stays pretty true to the ridge. There may be some mild rock climbing involved.

Difficulty

Difficult

Serious gradient of 30-38 degrees where a real risk of slipping exists.

Medium Exposure (E2)

2 out of 4

As well as the slope itself, there are some obstacles (such as rock outcrops) which could aggravate injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between January and May

Features

  • Trees
  • Cliffs
  • Walk Required

Equipment required

  • Skins

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area