Quick Facts:

Location: Bonanza Flat Conservation Area near Park City, Utah

Coordinates: 40.60996195243612, -111.53608448381844

Length: 5.5 Miles

Difficulty: Hard

Elevation Gain: 1,600 Feet

Dog Friendly: Yes

Introduction:

Clayton Peak, located in the Bonanza Flat Conservation Area near Park City, Utah, is a rewarding hike that offers stunning panoramic views of the Wasatch Mountains, the Great Salt Lake, and the surrounding valleys. This hike, accessed via the scenic Bloods Lake Trail, is perfect for those looking to challenge themselves with a steep climb and be rewarded with breathtaking summit vistas. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or someone looking to experience the beauty of Utah’s high country, the hike to Clayton Peak provides an unforgettable adventure.

How to Get There:

The trailhead for Clayton Peak via Bloods Lake Trail is conveniently located near Guardsman Pass, just a short drive from Park City. To get there, take UT-224 south out of Park City, continuing up the scenic route toward Guardsman Pass. Once you reach the top of the pass, you’ll find the Bloods Lake Trailhead on the right side of the road. The drive from downtown Park City takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and it offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys along the way.

Parking Information:

Parking for the Clayton Peak hike is available at the Bloods Lake Trailhead, located at the top of Guardsman Pass. The parking area is unpaved but spacious enough to accommodate a good number of vehicles. However, due to the popularity of the area, especially on weekends and during peak hiking seasons, the lot can fill up quickly. Arriving early in the morning is recommended to secure a spot and to enjoy a quieter trail experience. 

Description of the Landscape:

The hike to Clayton Peak via Bloods Lake Trail takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Bonanza Flat Conservation Area. The trail begins with a moderate ascent through a forest of aspens and pines, offering plenty of shade and a peaceful, serene atmosphere. The forest floor is often blanketed with wildflowers in the spring and summer, adding vibrant colors to the greenery.

After about a mile, you’ll reach Bloods Lake, a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by towering peaks and lush vegetation. Many hikers choose to take a break here, enjoying the tranquility of the lake before continuing on to Clayton Peak. The trail to Clayton Peak continues past Bloods Lake, becoming steeper and more rugged as it climbs toward the summit.

As you ascend, the trail offers increasingly spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The final push to the summit involves a steep climb up a rocky ridge, but the effort is well worth it. At the summit of Clayton Peak, you’ll be rewarded with 360-degree views of the Wasatch Mountains, the Great Salt Lake, and even the Uintas on a clear day. The panoramic vistas from the top make this hike one of the most rewarding in the area.

Trail Difficulty and Length:

The hike to Clayton Peak via Bloods Lake Trail is considered moderately challenging, making it suitable for hikers with a good level of fitness. The round trip is approximately 5.5 miles, with an elevation gain of about 1,600 feet. The trail is well-marked and maintained, but the final ascent to the summit is steep and rocky, requiring careful footing and good hiking shoes. Most hikers can complete the round trip in 3 to 4 hours, depending on their pace and how long they spend enjoying the views at the summit. The combination of moderate distance, significant elevation gain, and stunning views makes this hike a favorite for those looking to explore the high country around Park City.

Dog-Friendly Information:

Clayton Peak via Bloods Lake Trail is dog-friendly, so you’re welcome to bring your canine companion along for the adventure. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times to protect the local wildlife and ensure the safety of all hikers. The trail’s shaded sections and access to water from Bloods Lake make it a suitable hike for dogs, but be sure to bring plenty of water, especially during the warmer months. Always clean up after your dog to keep the trail clean and enjoyable for everyone.

Local Regulations:

When hiking in the Bonanza Flat Conservation Area, it’s important to follow local regulations to help preserve the natural beauty of the environment. Stay on designated trails to minimize your impact on the fragile alpine ecosystem, and avoid disturbing the local wildlife. As with all outdoor areas, practice “Leave No Trace” principles by carrying out all trash, respecting other hikers, and leaving the landscape as you found it. The trail can be busy, especially during peak times, so be courteous and share the trail with others.

Other Trails Nearby:

If you’re interested in exploring more of the Bonanza Flat Conservation Area after hiking to Clayton Peak, there are several other trails nearby that offer different experiences. The Wasatch Crest Trail is a longer and more challenging hike that offers breathtaking views along the ridgeline and can be accessed from the same trailhead. The Lackawaxen Lake Trail provides a more moderate hike to a serene alpine lake, perfect for those looking for a less strenuous but equally scenic adventure. For a shorter, more leisurely hike, the Silver Lake Loop offers an easy and scenic walk around another beautiful alpine lake, ideal for families and casual hikers.

Non-Hiking Attractions Nearby:

In addition to hiking, the area around Park City offers a variety of attractions for visitors. Main Street Park City is a must-visit for its charming shops, art galleries, and restaurants, offering a taste of the town’s unique blend of old-world charm and modern luxury. The Park City Mountain Resort and Deer Valley Resort are popular destinations for skiing in the winter and offer mountain biking, and scenic chairlift rides in the summer. For those interested in history, the Park City Museum provides fascinating insights into the town’s mining past and transformation into a world-renowned ski destination.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to hike Clayton Peak is during the late spring, summer, and early fall when the trail is free of snow and the weather is generally mild. Summer is particularly beautiful, with blooming wildflowers and clear, sunny skies, while fall offers cooler temperatures and the opportunity to see the changing colors of the leaves.