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Distance: 4.5 miles round trip. Elevation Gain: 1800 feet. Duration: 2-4 hours to summit. 2-3 hours down. Stunning Views of the Wasatch Mountains. Fun scrambling and short sections of low 5th class climbing, short approach, long climb.
Approach: Start by parking on the side of the road just above the Snowbird Cliff Lodge. Then there will be some bushwhacking as you work your way up the southern slopes of Mount Superior following the path of least resistance until reaching the winter avalanche path under the south face and to the left of the ridge (as shown in one of the pictures above). From the avalanche path continue up and left toward the first plausible access point to the ridge that doesn't have bushes and trees to block your ascent. Then continue up and left angling toward a large water spout structure to gain the ridge (3rd class).
Descent: Follow the East Ridge trail over to Cardiff pass and descend down to the road then walk down the road back to your vehicle (click here for more detail)
Due to the relative ease of the climbing, many climbers will opt to solo the route instead of taking the proper technical gear required to protect themselves from a fall, but the ridge is extremely exposed and loose rock will be encountered. Good judgement of one's personal skills and comfort level is required
This route may have snow on it during the spring and into early summer. It is recommended to drive up to the Alta Ski Resort parking lot to get a good view of the ridge. Snow will make the route more difficult and may change what kind of gear you should bring (ice axe, crampons etc..)
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Hike and Climb the S. Ridge of Mt. Superior
Several possible routes exist, Strava has a good map of the better route. We ascended along the 'knife-edge' ridge on Strava, but there were a couple sections we thought would be riskier down-climbing on the way back. So we opted to go down the open valley east of the route; lots of loose rock and maybe just as challenging, so choose whatever you prefer!
Hike and Climb the S. Ridge of Mt. Superior
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Backcountry Ski Suicide Chute on Mt. Superior
First of all it's not as scary as it sounds, or as scary as it looks. That being said it's a steep chute in dangerous avalanche terrain so only experienced skiers with backcountry skiing knowledge/equipment should attempt this route.Suicide Chute is located on the South face of Mt. Superior in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Park at Entry 4 at Snowbird and walk about 1/4 mile up the road where you ...
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Little Cottonwood Creek flows right through Snowbird Ski Resort and there are a few beautiful locations to go shoot the river at. The best place to start hiking down the river is right by where the tram takes off. That is just below the Cliff Lodge and right by the Peruvian Lift. There's a restaurant down there and you just start right by the restaurant. Hiking down from there it can get a ...
Stargazing and Night Photography at Hellgate Spring
From the base of Little Cottonwood Canyon, follow the road approximately 7 miles until you reach the area between the Snowbird and Alta ski resorts. Looking north, several mountain peaks are visible, including both Mount Superior and Hellgate Spring. The mountain face of Hellgate Spring (GPS coordinates in decimal degrees 40.5886200 latitude, -111.6494200 longitude) comprises a dramatic 500 mil...
Cross Country Ski Alta Ski Area's Nordic Track
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Hike Mt. Superior and Monte Cristo
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Hike and Scramble Mount Superior
This is an intermediate to advanced hike. Scrambling up the ridge is more difficult but can be done by anyone with patience and a few maneuvering skills. It is best climbed in the summer months when the ridge is free of snow. However, it makes for a good winter climb for more technical experienced climbers.The traditional route to Mount Superior starts at the very back of Little Cottonwood Cany...