Wellsville Mountains
Steep Peaks and Big Views Above Brigham City
Rising sharply east of Brigham City, the Wellsville Mountains straddle the Box Elder–Cache county line and are often called one of the steepest mountain ranges in North America. The range's highest point, 9,372-foot Box Elder Peak, shares its name with the county, and most of the range is protected as the Wellsville Mountain Wilderness. From the ridge, hikers look out over the Great Salt Lake on one side and Cache Valley on the other.
Managed by the U.S. Forest Service: View wilderness info and conditions.
Quick Facts
Highest Point
9,372 ft
Top Hike
Box Elder Peak
Range
Steep & narrow
Best Season
July–October
Fall Highlight
Hawk migration
From Brigham City
About 20 minutes
A Narrow, Rugged Range
The Wellsvilles climb fast, rising thousands of feet from the valley floor in just a few miles. That makes for tough hiking with big rewards: open ridgeline views, summer wildflowers and some of the best raptor watching in Utah.
From the Box Elder side, the main access is up Box Elder Canyon on Highway 89/91, past the mountain town of Mantua to the Rattlesnake Trailhead near the top of the canyon.
Things to Do in the Wellsville Mountains
Summit Box Elder Peak
July–October · About 8 miles round trip · Strenuous
The range's high point is a classic northern Utah climb. Start at the Rattlesnake Trailhead and expect about 4,000 feet of climbing. The summit views stretch across two valleys and the Great Salt Lake.
Hike the Wellsville Ridge
Summer–fall · Exposed ridgeline · Strenuous
The ridge connects Box Elder Peak, Wellsville Cone and other high points. It's open, windy and dry, with no water along the crest, so bring plenty of water and start early.
Watch the Fall Hawk Migration
September–October · Ridge viewpoints · Wildlife viewing
The Wellsvilles are a major flyway for migrating raptors. On windy fall days, hawks ride the updrafts along the ridge, often passing close to hikers.
Before You Go
KNOW THE RULES
This is designated wilderness. Travel is on foot or horseback only, and bikes and motorized vehicles aren't allowed.
PACK WATER
There's no water on the ridge. Bring more than you think you'll need.
START EARLY
The trails are steep and exposed. Early starts help you avoid afternoon heat and storms.
CHECK CONDITIONS
Snow can linger on the high ridge into early summer. Check with the Forest Service before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit to the Wellsville Mountains
Pack plenty of water, start early and take your time on the climb. The views from the top are some of the best in northern Utah, and Brigham City's Main Street is waiting at the bottom of the canyon.