Honeycomb Cliffs

Overview

The Honeycomb Cliffs are a twin peak summit with sheer cliffs dropping off to the north east. Below these cliffs lie the upper reaches of Solitude Ski Resort. Besides being a scenic hike, with some mild scrambling and easy routefinding, these cliffs offer many good backcountry skiing opportunities off of them. Several of Solitudes skiing runs run below these beautiful escarpments.
The slopes all around the Honeycomb Cliffs are littered with many old mine shafts and tailings, which can make for some interesting sightseeing.
In order to effectively clear these cliffs of avalanche danger to skiers, cords are anchored to different summits along the ridgeline such that they span over the cliffs on the Solitude side. From these cords hang moveable smaller wires that can be used to remotely deliver explosives to starting zones in a safe and controlled manner.
A personal note: I've found these cliffs as a nice way to end the Brighton Ridge Run.

Getting There

Driving time from downtown Salt Lake City is approximately 50 minutes.
From I-15 southbound near downtown Salt Lake City, follow these directions
I-15 S toward LAS VEGAS/CHEYENNE. 8.3 miles
Take the I-215 exit- exit number 302- toward BELT ROUTE. 0.2 miles
Merge onto I-215 E via the exit- on the left- toward SKI AREAS. 5.1 miles
Take the 6200 SO. exit- exit number 6- toward SKI AREAS/SOLITUDE / BRIGHTON/SNOWBIRD / ALTA. 0.2 miles
Take the ramp toward SKI AREAS/SOLITUDE / BRIGHTON/SNOWBIRD / ALTA. 0.1 miles
Turn RIGHT onto UT-190 E/E 6200 S. Continue to follow UT-190 E. 1.6 miles
Turn LEFT onto E BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON RD/UT-190. 14.0 miles
End at Brighton UT
Alternatively, you can continue past the intersection with Big Cottonwood Canyon RD, and follow Wastach BLVD over to Little Cottonwood Canyon. Provided that you don't make any turns off of the main road, you will eventually drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon to Alta Ski Resort.

Red Tape

None. Big Cottonwood Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon occasionally close due to avalanche dangers, but this is only during and immediately following some large snow storms.
If you are approaching from Little Cottonwood Canyon, you can park free in the Alta Ski lot.

When To Climb

This peak is best climbed as a snowclimb or backcountry ski climb in late winter to early spring. It is best hiked in the fall once daytime temperatures are lower.

Camping

There are many walk-in campgrounds in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Alternatively, free camping is permitted in the nearby Mt Olympus, Broads Fork Twin Peaks, or Lone Peak Wilderness areas as long as it is done at least 100 ft away from trails

Mountain Conditions

Wasatch-Cache National Forest

Solitude Ski Resort

Utah Avalanche Center

The Avalanche Center

Wasatch Mountain Club

External Links

• Honeycomb Chutes 11-7-04
  
  

Images

View Honeycomb Cliffs Image Gallery - 33 Images