A solitary peak rises like an arrow above the distant ridgeline as you speed west toward Salt Lake City on I-80.
This fleeting moment captures the essence of Grandview Peak, affectionately dubbed ‘Carole’s Peak’ by a local couple who have admired her distinctive shape and presence for years.
At an elevation of 9,410 feet, Grandview Peak may not rank in Utah’s top 100 mountains, yet her iconic silhouette makes her one of the most recognizable features of the Wasatch Range.
For Carole and her husband, their admiration for the peak turned into a personal attachment, as she would often exclaim, “There’s Carole’s Peak,” whenever they spotted it during their drives.
Until recently, the couple had only viewed the peak from a distance, always constrained to the pavement.
With Grandview Peak’s remote location and impressive vertical rise, it remains a less-visited destination for hikers seeking to explore its terrain.
Despite their previous attempts to find closer hiking routes into the mountain, the couple felt limited by their abilities.
This week, they decided to change their approach.
They ventured northward towards Bountiful, delving into the backcountry of the Sessions Mountains, which are named after the region’s original settler, Peregrine Sessions.
As they navigated the rocky terrain in their Jeep, they were greeted with stunning views of the Morgan Valley’s lush farmland and an explosion of wildflowers in full bloom.
However, just a few miles into their journey, the couple encountered a conical peak that caused confusion.
Although they hoped it might be Carole’s Peak, the shape didn’t match the majestic mountain they had come to love over the years.
As they drove closer, they realized that their view of Grandview was blocked by the Session Mountains.
With a sigh of disappointment, they accepted that they would not be able to see their beloved peak this time.
Regretful but determined to salvage the day, they decided to explore further, climbing a small knoll with a well-worn gravel road.
With the Jeep in four-wheel-low, they ascended the knoll, not expecting what awaited them at the top.
To their astonishment, they found themselves in a saddle between peaks of the Sessions.
There was Grandview Peak standing tall in all her grandeur, just two miles away from their previous view.
In a moment of pure joy, Carole leaped from the vehicle and embraced her mountain, elated to finally be close to it.
The couple stood in awe as they contemplated the peak’s majestic slopes and iconic pointed summit.
In that perfect moment, it felt as though Grandview Peak was acknowledging their persistence and adventure with a gentle wink.
For those interested in making the journey, accessing Grandview Peak involves navigating some tricky terrain.
A high-clearance vehicle is essential for this trip, starting with a drive up Ward Canyon Road from Bountiful, where you can enjoy remarkable views of the Great Salt Lake.
At the ridgeline, drivers should turn south onto Sessions Mountain Road (FR 815), which grants scenic views eastward into the Morgan Valley.
The drive covers about four scenic miles, which includes a couple of challenging sections.
At 3.7 miles along the road, a knoll on the left beckons those willing to make the climb.
Upon reaching the top, climbers are rewarded with a stunning view of Grandview Peak, a vista worth the effort.
In summary, the journey to Grandview Peak is not just about reaching a destination but about cherishing the experience and the bond formed with nature along the way.
For those willing to engage with the backcountry, the adventure may provide the very satisfaction that Carole and her husband found in embracing their beloved mountain.
image source from：parkrecord
