How to Hike the Tri Peaks Trail

The Tri Peaks Trail is one of the most rewarding and visually stunning hiking experiences in the American Southwest. Located in the remote but accessible landscapes of southern Utah, this trail traverses three distinct summits—North Peak, Central Peak, and South Peak—offering panoramic views of red rock canyons, ancient petroglyphs, and sweeping desert vistas. Unlike many well-trodden national park trails, the Tri Peaks Trail remains relatively uncrowded, making it ideal for hikers seeking solitude, challenge, and raw natural beauty. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to successfully hike the Tri Peaks Trail, covering everything from route planning and gear selection to safety protocols and environmental ethics. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a motivated day-hiker, this tutorial will equip you with the knowledge to navigate this demanding yet unforgettable journey with confidence and respect for the land.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Research and Plan Your Route

Before setting foot on the trail, thorough research is non-negotiable. The Tri Peaks Trail is not a marked, maintained path like those found in national parks. It is a route defined by cairns, faint boot paths, and GPS waypoints. Begin by consulting topographic maps from the USGS or apps like Gaia GPS and AllTrails Pro, which offer downloadable offline layers for the area. The full loop is approximately 14.5 miles with over 3,800 feet of cumulative elevation gain. Most hikers complete it in one long day, but splitting it into two days with an overnight camp at the saddle between Central and South Peaks is highly recommended for beginners.

Identify your starting point: the most common access is via the Red Rock Canyon Trailhead off Highway 95, about 12 miles west of Blanding, Utah. Parking is limited to 8–10 vehicles; arrive before 7 a.m. to secure a spot. From the trailhead, follow the faded dirt road northeast for 0.8 miles until you reach the first cairn marking the official trail entrance. Do not rely on signage—there are none.

2. Assess Your Fitness and Experience Level

The Tri Peaks Trail is rated as strenuous due to its sustained elevation gain, exposed scrambling sections, and unpredictable desert weather. You should be comfortable hiking 8–10 miles on uneven terrain with a 20+ pound pack and have prior experience with off-trail navigation. If you’ve completed hikes like Angels Landing, The Narrows, or the Escalante Loop, you’re likely prepared. For those less experienced, consider training for 6–8 weeks prior: incorporate hill repeats, weighted backpack walks, and balance drills. Practice ascending and descending steep scree slopes and rock faces with your gear to simulate trail conditions.

3. Gather Essential Gear

Proper gear is the difference between a memorable adventure and a dangerous ordeal. Here’s a non-negotiable packing list:

• Footwear: Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with aggressive lugs (e.g., Salomon Quest 4 or La Sportiva TX4) are essential. Sandals or trail runners are insufficient due to sharp rock and loose scree.
• Navigation Tools: A fully charged smartphone with Gaia GPS downloaded, a physical topographic map (USGS 7.5’ Quad: “Tri Peaks”), and a compass. Do not rely on cell service—it’s nonexistent beyond the trailhead.
• Hydration: Carry at least 4 liters of water per person. A hydration bladder (3L) plus two 1L hard-sided bottles is ideal. Water sources are nonexistent on the trail.
• Food: High-calorie, lightweight snacks: trail mix, energy bars, jerky, and electrolyte tablets. Plan for 300–400 calories per hour of hiking.
• Clothing: Layered system: moisture-wicking base, insulated mid-layer, windproof shell. Temperatures can swing 40°F in a single day. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Safety: First-aid kit, headlamp with extra batteries, emergency blanket, whistle, and fire starter. A personal locator beacon (PLB) like Garmin inReach Mini 2 is strongly advised.
• Other: Trekking poles (for descent stability), sunscreen (SPF 50+), insect repellent (for early morning flies), and a lightweight tarp or bivy for emergency shelter.

4. Begin the Hike: Trailhead to North Peak

Start at dawn to avoid afternoon heat and thunderstorms. The initial 1.7 miles ascend gently through a wash lined with piñon pine and juniper. Watch for cairns—stacked rocks used to mark the route. The path becomes steeper after 1.2 miles as you enter a narrow slot canyon. Here, the trail narrows to a single-file route along a rocky ledge. Use your hands for balance; this section is not technical but requires focus.

At 2.8 miles, you’ll reach the base of North Peak. The final 0.6 miles involve Class 2+ scrambling—steep, exposed rock faces requiring the use of hands and feet. Look for painted rock cairns (white or orange spray paint) to guide your ascent. The summit offers a 360-degree view of the La Sal Mountains to the north and the Abajo Peaks to the east. Take 15–20 minutes here to rest, hydrate, and photograph the landscape. Do not linger beyond 30 minutes; the sun will intensify rapidly.

5. Traverse to Central Peak

From North Peak, descend the northwest ridge for 0.9 miles along a narrow, rocky spine. This is the most exposed section of the entire route. There is no margin for error—stay centered on the ridge and avoid stepping on loose talus. At the 3.7-mile mark, you’ll reach a saddle with a large, flat boulder. This is your turnoff point for Central Peak.

From the saddle, climb the northeast face of Central Peak via a series of ledges and small steps. The climb is short but steep—approximately 0.4 miles and 400 feet of elevation. The summit is marked by a natural stone arch and a small cairn. This is the highest point of the trail at 8,120 feet. The view here is unparalleled: the entire San Juan Basin stretches below, with the San Juan River carving a silver thread through the red rock. Rest for 20–30 minutes, refuel, and check your water levels. This is your last chance to refill before the long descent.

6. Descend to the Saddle Between Central and South Peaks

From Central Peak, descend the southwest ridge along a series of switchbacks carved by erosion. The trail here is loose and requires extreme caution. Use trekking poles to stabilize your descent. After 1.1 miles, you’ll reach a broad, grassy saddle at 7,500 feet. This is the ideal campsite for overnight hikers. Look for flat, protected areas away from wind corridors. If you’re day-hiking, rest here for 15 minutes before continuing.

7. Ascend South Peak

The final summit is the most physically demanding. From the saddle, follow the faint trail southeast for 0.7 miles up a steep, rocky slope. The last 300 feet are Class 3 scrambling—requiring secure handholds and careful foot placement. There are no cairns here; rely on your map and compass. The summit is a narrow, wind-swept ridge with a single large boulder. At 8,040 feet, this is the second-highest point. The panoramic view includes the Goosenecks of the San Juan River to the south and the distant Four Corners Monument on a clear day.

8. Return to Trailhead

Descending South Peak requires the same caution as ascending. Retrace your steps back to the saddle, then continue west along the original descent route from Central Peak. At the 9.5-mile mark, you’ll rejoin the initial wash. Follow it south for 5 miles back to the trailhead. This final stretch is monotonous and exposed—stay hydrated and mentally focused. Many hikers experience fatigue here; remind yourself that the hardest part is behind you.

Complete your hike by 6 p.m. at the latest. If you’re delayed due to weather, fatigue, or injury, activate your PLB or use your satellite messenger to alert others of your location. Never attempt to hike after dark without a headlamp and backup batteries.

Best Practices

Leave No Trace Principles

The Tri Peaks Trail lies in a fragile desert ecosystem. The soil crust is easily damaged by foot traffic, and native plants take decades to recover. Adhere strictly to Leave No Trace ethics:

• Travel and camp on durable surfaces—rock, sand, or dry grass. Avoid vegetation.
• Dispose of waste properly. Pack out all trash, including food scraps and toilet paper. Use a WAG bag for human waste if no vault toilet is available.
• Minimize campfire impact. Fires are prohibited. Use a camp stove for cooking.
• Respect wildlife. Observe from a distance. Do not feed animals.
• Be considerate of other visitors. Yield to uphill hikers. Keep noise levels low.

Weather Awareness

Desert weather is notoriously volatile. Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F, while winter nights dip below freezing. Spring and fall are optimal (April–May and September–October). Always check the 7-day forecast before departure. Thunderstorms develop rapidly after noon in summer—lightning is a real threat on exposed summits. If you hear thunder or see dark clouds forming, descend immediately. Do not wait for rain to begin.

Navigation Discipline

Even experienced hikers have become lost on the Tri Peaks Trail due to overconfidence. Always:

• Take a bearing every 15–20 minutes using your compass.
• Mark your GPS track points at each major landmark (summits, saddles, cairns).
• Compare your position to the topographic map every time you change elevation.
• If you’re uncertain of your location, stop. Do not guess. Use your map and compass to reorient.

Hydration and Nutrition Strategy

Dehydration is the leading cause of hiking emergencies on this trail. Drink 1 liter of water every 2 hours, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Electrolyte imbalance can cause cramps, dizziness, and confusion. Use salt tablets or electrolyte powders mixed into your water. Eat small amounts of food every 45 minutes. Skipping meals leads to energy crashes and impaired judgment.

Group Dynamics

If hiking with others, establish a clear communication plan. Designate a leader and a sweep (last person). Agree on a turnaround time—no later than 2 p.m. if you’re on the upper peaks. If someone is falling behind, do not push them. Rest, reassess, and adjust your pace. Never leave a group member behind.

Timing and Pacing

Most fit hikers complete the loop in 9–11 hours. Beginners should budget 12–14 hours. Start early—sunrise is your friend. Hike at a steady, sustainable pace. It’s better to go slow and finish than to rush and risk injury. Take short, frequent breaks (5 minutes every hour) to stretch, hydrate, and check your gear.

Tools and Resources

Topographic Maps

Essential for navigation:

• USGS Tri Peaks 7.5’ Quadrangle (1999 edition) – Available as a free PDF from the USGS Store or as a printed map from REI or local outdoor shops.
• Gaia GPS Premium App – Download the “Tri Peaks Trail” layer and enable offline maps. Use the “Backtrack” feature to retrace your steps.
• CalTopo – A web-based mapping tool that allows you to create custom route profiles with elevation graphs. Ideal for pre-trip planning.

Navigation Devices

While smartphones are convenient, they’re vulnerable to battery drain and damage. Consider these backup tools:

• Garmin inReach Mini 2 – Satellite communicator with SOS, two-way messaging, and GPS tracking. Works without cell service.
• Garmin eTrex 32x – Rugged, long-battery-life GPS unit with preloaded topographic maps.
• Suunto MC-2 Global Compass – Reliable, declination-adjustable compass with clinometer for slope measurement.

Guidebooks and Online Communities

Supplement your research with trusted sources:

• “Hiking the San Juan Backcountry” by Michael R. Kelsey – Includes detailed descriptions of the Tri Peaks route.
• Reddit r/UtahHiking – Active community sharing recent trail conditions and photos.
• Utah Hiking Forum (utahhiking.org) – A moderated forum with verified trip reports from the last 5 years.

Permits and Regulations

The Tri Peaks Trail is on BLM-managed land. No permit is required for day hiking. Overnight trips require a free self-issue permit from the BLM Monticello Field Office. Download the form at blm.gov/office/monticello-field-office and print it. Fill it out and leave it in the permit box at the trailhead. Always follow local fire restrictions and seasonal closures (e.g., raptor nesting periods).

Emergency Contacts

While no cell service exists on the trail, the nearest emergency response is:

• San Juan County Sheriff’s Office – (435) 587-2555 (non-emergency)
• BLM Monticello Field Office – (435) 587-1500

Always leave your itinerary with a trusted contact. Include your planned route, start time, expected return, and vehicle details.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Solo Hiker Who Made It Back

In May 2023, a 32-year-old solo hiker from Denver completed the Tri Peaks Trail in 10.5 hours. He had trained for 3 months, carried a Garmin inReach, and started at 5:30 a.m. He documented his journey on a blog and noted that the descent from Central Peak was the most mentally taxing. “I kept thinking I was lost because the cairns were sparse,” he wrote. “But I trusted my compass and map. When I saw the red rock arch on South Peak, I knew I was on track.” He returned to the trailhead with 1.5 liters of water left and no injuries.

Example 2: The Group That Turned Back

A group of four friends attempted the trail in July 2022 without checking the weather. By 11 a.m., a thunderstorm rolled in. Lightning struck a nearby ridge, and one hiker suffered minor burns from a nearby flash. They descended immediately, using their emergency blankets and huddled under a rock overhang for 90 minutes. “We thought we were prepared,” said one member. “But we didn’t respect the desert. We got lucky.” They filed a report with the BLM, which now includes a weather warning on the trailhead kiosk.

Example 3: The First-Time Hiker Who Succeeded

A 58-year-old retiree from Arizona had never hiked above 7,000 feet before. She trained with weekly 6-mile walks carrying a 15-pound pack. She split the Tri Peaks Trail into two days, camping at the saddle. “I didn’t summit North Peak,” she shared in a trail journal. “I stopped at the saddle and watched the sunrise. That was my victory.” She completed the full loop the next day. Her story is now featured in BLM’s “Hiking for All Ages” campaign.

Example 4: The Trail Maintenance Volunteer

In 2021, a local hiking club organized a volunteer day to rebuild cairns and clear brush from the trail. They placed 87 new cairns and documented their locations with GPS. Their work has since reduced disorientation-related rescues by 60%. “We didn’t fix the trail,” said the group leader. “We just reminded people how to find it.”

FAQs

Is the Tri Peaks Trail suitable for beginners?

Not without preparation. It is not a beginner trail due to exposure, navigation challenges, and lack of water. However, experienced hikers who are physically fit and have navigation skills can complete it as a long day hike. Beginners should consider a guided tour or start with a shorter loop like the Comb Ridge Trail.

Do I need a permit to hike the Tri Peaks Trail?

No permit is required for day hiking. Overnight trips require a free self-issue permit from the BLM. Always fill one out and leave it at the trailhead.

Are dogs allowed on the Tri Peaks Trail?

Yes, but they must be leashed at all times. The terrain is hazardous for dogs—loose rock, steep drops, and extreme heat pose serious risks. Carry extra water for your dog and avoid midday hikes.

Can I hike the Tri Peaks Trail in winter?

Yes, but only with mountaineering experience. Snow can cover cairns and make scrambling dangerous. Ice axes, crampons, and avalanche training are recommended. Temperatures can drop below 0°F at night. Winter hiking is not advised for casual hikers.

What’s the best time of year to hike the Tri Peaks Trail?

April–May and September–October offer the most stable weather. Days are warm (60–80°F), nights are cool, and thunderstorms are less frequent. Avoid June–August due to extreme heat and monsoon risk.

Is there cell service on the trail?

No. There is no reliable cell reception from the trailhead to the summit. Rely on satellite communication devices.

How do I know I’m on the right path?

Look for cairns—stacked rocks placed intentionally. They’re usually white or painted orange. Use your GPS and map to confirm your position. If you’re unsure, stop and reorient. Never follow unmarked animal trails.

What should I do if I get lost?

Stop. Stay calm. Use your compass and map to determine your last known location. If you can’t reorient, activate your PLB or satellite messenger. Do not wander. Stay put and wait for help. Your emergency device will transmit your coordinates.

Are there water sources along the trail?

No. Carry all the water you need. There are no springs, streams, or reliable sources. Even in spring, any standing water is likely contaminated.

Can I camp anywhere on the trail?

Yes, but only in designated areas: the saddle between Central and South Peaks, or on durable surfaces at least 200 feet from water (though none exist here). Do not camp on vegetation or near cairns.

Conclusion

Hiking the Tri Peaks Trail is more than a physical challenge—it’s a journey into one of the most untouched and awe-inspiring landscapes in the American Southwest. It demands preparation, humility, and respect for nature’s power. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’re not just learning how to navigate a trail—you’re learning how to move through wild places with intention and care.

The rewards are immense: solitude on a ridge at sunrise, the quiet hum of wind over red rock, the satisfaction of reaching a summit no one else has stood on in days. But these moments are earned, not given. They belong to those who plan, who listen, who turn back when needed, and who leave nothing behind but footprints.

Whether you’re standing on the summit of South Peak, gazing across a sea of sandstone, or returning to your car with tired legs and a full heart, remember this: the trail doesn’t belong to you. You belong to the trail—for a few hours, a day, a lifetime. Tread lightly. Stay curious. And always, always bring more water than you think you need.