14jmartineau - Mar 23, 2021 3:56 pm Date Climbed: Mar 23, 2021
Splitboard Run
Great skiing down the north face, but long approach.
utahjimk - Mar 23, 2020 6:57 am Date Climbed: Mar 22, 2020
on snowshoes; Slide Canyon trail from Y Mt
with Wasatch Mt Club group (Sandra, Al, Akiko). We donned snowshoes at the Y Mountain trail junction and broke trail from there. Excellent weather, still lots of snow. Via NE ridge attained on the "road to nowhere" as described.
OwenT - Mar 18, 2020 6:49 pm Date Climbed: Mar 18, 2020
The Hard Way
Since there is still snow on the mountain, we decided to try crossing maple flat to the SW ridge where it would be more melted out. We walked up to maple flat half supported, half postholing and continued that way until about 8200 ft where we were on rock for about 100 feet and then back to waist deep snow on the SW aspect. Just before calling it, we found that the snow was supportive on a ridge facing directly west and we summited with some difficulty still. Ran down the N side to the trail in deep snow. Snowshoes were called for, but oh well.
TonyTheJet - Mar 30, 2018 3:35 pm Date Climbed: Mar 30, 2018
First Time on Maple
It was a beautiful day! I started from the Y Mountain trailhead, with about 100 people between the Y trailhead and the Y itself. Beyond the Y, however, I had the entirety of Y Mountain and Maple Mountain to myself.
The snow was manageable with my spikes up through Bear Flats, and then got a bit harder to navigate after I passed the turnoff that heads to the Y summit.
I probably should have switched to my snowshoes at Apache Flat, but I was too lazy to stop, so I proceeded onto the "road to nowhere", and then followed someone else's snowshoe tracks up the ridge to the summit.
It was a blast, and probably much better to do this time of year than in the summer!
A buddy and I started hiking at around 7:30 and kept a pretty good pace all the way to the end of the "road to nowhere." At that point we gained the northeast ridge and followed it to the summit. From bottom to top the ridge was mostly snow-covered. In some places the snow was firm and the walking was easy, in others it was very soft and that resulted in some stretches of slogging. We were both pretty wet by the time we reached the top, but it was so warm and sunny being wet wasn't too bad.
I found the summit register in pretty rough shape. Somehow the lid got broken. If anyone who reads this is considering heading up there, it would be cool if you could take a new container and pen for the summit register.
PrinceOfNorway - Nov 2, 2014 4:32 pm Date Climbed: Nov 2, 2014
Sweet November
It was raining when I arrived at the Y trailhead. I had to put on my rain gear and head up into the snow level.
The rain turned to snow the higher I got up in the canyon. Eventually it stopped snowing completely and off came my hood. I couldn't see more than fifty feet or so in any direction. It was awesome. Anyway, I found the road at apache flat and took it for a bit and left it to take the north ridge all the way to the top.
My snow prints were the only ones up there which was kind of satisfying. There definitely wasn't a trail so the snow helped. Thanks mountain!
TheGoat - Aug 10, 2014 10:51 pm Date Climbed: Oct 10, 2012
Just Had to See the Aspens
For a long time I had noticed from BYU campus the patches of dark pines next to strands of aspen, bright yellow in the fall at just the right time. I decided I must get up to the mountain, and indeed I did, and the contrast of dark green pine and yellow aspen was very worth it, as was the view. Went through Slide Canyon to get there; the bushwacking last part is definitely the hardest and will scuff up your legs and arms if you don't wear pants and a sweater.
mlwood - Jun 4, 2014 1:54 pm Date Climbed: Jun 4, 2014
Slate Canyon
I started at the Slate Canyon trailhead and hiked to the turnoff at Apache Flate, then bushwacked up to the summit. Unfortunately, I couldn't find the register anywhere. I would recommend placing a register in the cairn holding the metal pole up there. I took Slide Canyon and the Y-trail out, and then hopped on Bonneville to finish the loop.
Oh, and there were some crazy avalanches in Slate Canyon this winter. There are large snow packs covering parts of the trail and lots of broken trees!
Early spring in the valley, winter on the mountain
Went up the north ridge. See my trip report.
ZeeJay - Jan 7, 2013 8:47 pm Date Climbed: Jan 7, 2012
From Slide Canyon
Went up Slide Canyon and then the easternmost north ridge of the peak. Gorgeous winter day.
reilly17 - Aug 22, 2012 10:41 pm Date Climbed: May 28, 2012
From Slide Canyon
Hiked up for Memorial Day. Came up from Slide Canyon, then followed the old cat track until it died out. There was some pretty heavy brush for a while to push through. I'd tried it without success twice the previous winter but turned around both times. Pushing up those hills in 3 feet of fresh powder was no easy task.
DarrenKnezek - Jan 9, 2012 12:45 pm Date Climbed: Jan 8, 2012
Maple Flat to West Face down Northeast Ridge
Jen and I started by hiking up to the Y and then into Slide Canyon. Not much snow on the trail but very icy until Bear Flat.The hike up to Maple Flat was fun and easy. Crossed Maple Flat to the south side and then up the West Face. Very fun about 6 inches to two feet of snow on the slopes. No brush thrashing whatsoever.
Going near the south edge provided spectacular views of Mount Nebo, Santaquin, Buckley's and Flat Top. Came up exactly where the summit pole and cairn stack was. Walked further south east to the true summit.
Hiked down the northeast ridge to the "road" and then into Slide Canyon and back to the car.
Great day with fantastic views!
With no brush thrashing this could become the standard way up the mountain.
apachedino - Nov 13, 2011 5:34 pm Date Climbed: Jan 6, 2011
Boarded w/ Vanman
Great boarding off the NW shoulder and drainage until the scrub oak choked bottom!
evets23 - Jan 31, 2011 12:27 am Date Climbed: Jan 29, 2011
Maple Mountain Jan 2011
Have climbed Maple mountain and Y mountain most winters since 1987 when I moved here from California. Winter is the best time to do this climb as there is no bush-wacking to speak of. Did it yesterday with our new dog Toula, a small border terrier. Wonderful clear views. Lots of tracks in the snow up high (cougar?).
maxutils - Jun 27, 2010 2:14 pm Date Climbed: Jul 4, 1984
Could have used this site in 1984!!!
Actually, it could have been 1983, I am not sure but I do remember it was July 4th and I could barely hear a band playing from the valley for the 4th of July celebration. I was very surprised that I could hear that all the way from the summit of Maple Mountain.
I say that I could have REALLY used the information on this site because I had no knowlege of ANY trail and I forged my own. I started on the Y trail but left it pretty early on. There was a trail or two that I followed but they fizzled out after not very far and I had to fight through the brush all the way to the top. It was difficult venture to say the least, but I love that mountain.
On the way down, I discovered the slide canyon trail and followed it to the Y and then on down. What a relief. I was exhausted.
In June 2010, I climbed Y mountain for the first time. But before I did, I followed the trail up to Apache Flats (I didn't know the name until I later found this website) From there I noticed the road that headed up to the west on Maple Mountain. I followed it until it ended and then I continued up some trails and they came to an end. I thought back to my hike up Maple Mountain years earlier and decided I wasn't in the mood to slug my way through the brush (I was about 25 then and 53 now) so I went back down the road and then to the Y mountain trail. I think I will climb it again in a few days but I will drive up the Squaw Peak trail and walk down to Apache Flats and then up the road and then to the top. It was interesting to read the history of that road. I had no idea why it was there when I was following it. I was hoping that it was part of a trail all the way to the top. I really appreciate the info posted here. It is very interesting and very helpful.
P.S. I had no idea that there were black bears up in there. I don't think there were very many years ago. It seems like we are hearing more and more about bear encounters these days.
I climbed this mountain a few years ago by hiking up Y Mountain to Slide Canyon, then going up the east ridge of the peak. It was bushwhacking hell and I swore to myself that it would never happen again.
aprovance - Oct 10, 2009 8:27 pm Date Climbed: Oct 10, 2009
via Slide Canyon
Hit the trailhead to the Y at around 1230pm, and reached Apache Flat, and found the old road as described on the page. It was very easy to spot as the foliage was gone. Followed the road for nearly a half a mile as it went west and then turned south. There was a clear trail along the middle of the old road. Once the road ends, there is a game trail for a couple hundred feet, then I just did some routefinding to reach the summit in 2.5 hours. Great views, especially of Provo Peak, Freedom Peak, Shingle Mill, and Cascade. Unfortunately, I did not find the summit register as described by Dean. This is a hike best done in the fall or winter once the underbrush is gone. Roundtrip around 8.5 miles.
Dean - Sep 13, 2008 9:52 pm Date Climbed: Sep 13, 2008
East side bushwhack
I left the Y parking lot amid a bunch of others who were heading up for the Y. I was the only one of the bunch that continued on, heading up into Slide Canyon. About halfway up to Bear Flat, two
gals passed me as they headed for Y mountain's top. A trail runner who had done Provo Peak earlier ran past me on his way down and one other gent passed me on his way down, mentioning that he had just had knee surgery. Beyond the turn off for Y mountain, I saw no one else the remainder of the day. I obviously missed the "road bed" mentioned on the front page and when I came to a saddle between Maple Mtn and Peak 9001 (aka Lions Head), I just headed "up" into the brush. For almost thousand feet vertical, I fought brush that reminded me of western washington. When I finally topped out, I had some nice views and placed a register not far from the highest spot. If you are crazy enough to do this hike, look for a red top plastic container. It is also a good one not to do solo as I did.
To go down, I just reversed the bushwhack but was luckier on the descent as I found some game trails that eased the effort. I was trying to get back down in time to see the UCLA-BYU football game (BYU won 59-0) The bushwhack going up added at least a good hour
to my overall effort. Mileage? Probably close to 8 miles and under 4000 feet of elevation gain. This is one I will not want to repeat as the brush is a real pain. I did see some fairly fresh bear scat on the slopes I went up.
vanman798 - Oct 27, 2007 10:19 pm Date Climbed: Feb 27, 2016
From Squaw Peak Trail
Feb 27, 2016: Up Slide Canyon to the top of Maple Mtn, skied three laps on the NE ski run then out via the Right Fork and Rock Canyon. I skied all the way from the summit of Maple Mtn to the gate at the Kitchen in Rock Canyon. At Apache Flat we dug out the spring which was flowing but under six feet of snow.
Nov 8, 2015 -- Followed the road to nowhere then when up the north aspect. 2 hours 45 mins from Y trail parking lot to summit. Came down the ski run (no snow yet).
November 11, 2013 -- Did Y Mtn first then strolled over to Maple. Followed bear tracks most of the way.
January 6, 2011 -- Booted it up to the Y, and then over to the Crows Nest, a bit past there we put on the skies and started skinning. From the peak of Maple we skied down the NE aspect (mostly east) near and between a group of pine trees. Nice skiing.
Oct 27, 2007 -- The "road" that runs between the east side of Maple Mountain and the west side of Provo Peak is called Squaw Peak Trail..... Anyway, we drove up that and parked at the same place one would begin the Provo Peak climb from, only we headed east, skirted up and over the North side of Lions Head and dropped into the flat where the trail from Slate Canyon and our trail cross. From there we bushwhacked due west up to the North East ridge, and then followed that to the peak. En route up the ridge, we had to walk in 3 or 4 inches of snow, in which we clearly recognized the tracks of a cougar apparently tracking a deer.
peachey - Oct 17, 2007 2:03 pm Date Climbed: May 26, 2007
Route climbed: Slate Canyon
Instead of using the Y trail approach, I decided to be adventurous and head up Slate Canyon on the south side of the mountain. I was disappointed that the springs had been tapped and were no longer exposed, but the canyon was very beautiful and green nonetheless. I had to do some crazy bushwacking on the last climb to the summit from the back side. Thank goodness I was wearing pants! Roundtrip was almost 10 miles. It took me 2.5 hours to get to the top, with 4000 ft vertical climb. It took me about 1 hour to jog down. The view from the top is spectacular! I only wish I had had more time to spend up there.
14jmartineau - Mar 23, 2021 3:56 pm Date Climbed: Mar 23, 2021
Splitboard RunGreat skiing down the north face, but long approach.
utahjimk - Mar 23, 2020 6:57 am Date Climbed: Mar 22, 2020
on snowshoes; Slide Canyon trail from Y Mtwith Wasatch Mt Club group (Sandra, Al, Akiko). We donned snowshoes at the Y Mountain trail junction and broke trail from there. Excellent weather, still lots of snow. Via NE ridge attained on the "road to nowhere" as described.
OwenT - Mar 18, 2020 6:49 pm Date Climbed: Mar 18, 2020
The Hard WaySince there is still snow on the mountain, we decided to try crossing maple flat to the SW ridge where it would be more melted out. We walked up to maple flat half supported, half postholing and continued that way until about 8200 ft where we were on rock for about 100 feet and then back to waist deep snow on the SW aspect. Just before calling it, we found that the snow was supportive on a ridge facing directly west and we summited with some difficulty still. Ran down the N side to the trail in deep snow. Snowshoes were called for, but oh well.
TonyTheJet - Mar 30, 2018 3:35 pm Date Climbed: Mar 30, 2018
First Time on MapleIt was a beautiful day! I started from the Y Mountain trailhead, with about 100 people between the Y trailhead and the Y itself. Beyond the Y, however, I had the entirety of Y Mountain and Maple Mountain to myself.
The snow was manageable with my spikes up through Bear Flats, and then got a bit harder to navigate after I passed the turnoff that heads to the Y summit.
I probably should have switched to my snowshoes at Apache Flat, but I was too lazy to stop, so I proceeded onto the "road to nowhere", and then followed someone else's snowshoe tracks up the ridge to the summit.
It was a blast, and probably much better to do this time of year than in the summer!
the.laurence - Apr 30, 2015 6:19 pm Date Climbed: Apr 30, 2015
fun in the sunA buddy and I started hiking at around 7:30 and kept a pretty good pace all the way to the end of the "road to nowhere." At that point we gained the northeast ridge and followed it to the summit. From bottom to top the ridge was mostly snow-covered. In some places the snow was firm and the walking was easy, in others it was very soft and that resulted in some stretches of slogging. We were both pretty wet by the time we reached the top, but it was so warm and sunny being wet wasn't too bad.
I found the summit register in pretty rough shape. Somehow the lid got broken. If anyone who reads this is considering heading up there, it would be cool if you could take a new container and pen for the summit register.
PrinceOfNorway - Nov 2, 2014 4:32 pm Date Climbed: Nov 2, 2014
Sweet NovemberIt was raining when I arrived at the Y trailhead. I had to put on my rain gear and head up into the snow level.
The rain turned to snow the higher I got up in the canyon. Eventually it stopped snowing completely and off came my hood. I couldn't see more than fifty feet or so in any direction. It was awesome. Anyway, I found the road at apache flat and took it for a bit and left it to take the north ridge all the way to the top.
My snow prints were the only ones up there which was kind of satisfying. There definitely wasn't a trail so the snow helped. Thanks mountain!
TheGoat - Aug 10, 2014 10:51 pm Date Climbed: Oct 10, 2012
Just Had to See the AspensFor a long time I had noticed from BYU campus the patches of dark pines next to strands of aspen, bright yellow in the fall at just the right time. I decided I must get up to the mountain, and indeed I did, and the contrast of dark green pine and yellow aspen was very worth it, as was the view. Went through Slide Canyon to get there; the bushwacking last part is definitely the hardest and will scuff up your legs and arms if you don't wear pants and a sweater.
mlwood - Jun 4, 2014 1:54 pm Date Climbed: Jun 4, 2014
Slate CanyonI started at the Slate Canyon trailhead and hiked to the turnoff at Apache Flate, then bushwacked up to the summit. Unfortunately, I couldn't find the register anywhere. I would recommend placing a register in the cairn holding the metal pole up there. I took Slide Canyon and the Y-trail out, and then hopped on Bonneville to finish the loop.
Oh, and there were some crazy avalanches in Slate Canyon this winter. There are large snow packs covering parts of the trail and lots of broken trees!
jtrain - Apr 7, 2014 4:49 pm Date Climbed: Apr 5, 2014
Early spring in the valley, winter on the mountainWent up the north ridge. See my trip report.
ZeeJay - Jan 7, 2013 8:47 pm Date Climbed: Jan 7, 2012
From Slide CanyonWent up Slide Canyon and then the easternmost north ridge of the peak. Gorgeous winter day.
reilly17 - Aug 22, 2012 10:41 pm Date Climbed: May 28, 2012
From Slide CanyonHiked up for Memorial Day. Came up from Slide Canyon, then followed the old cat track until it died out. There was some pretty heavy brush for a while to push through. I'd tried it without success twice the previous winter but turned around both times. Pushing up those hills in 3 feet of fresh powder was no easy task.
DarrenKnezek - Jan 9, 2012 12:45 pm Date Climbed: Jan 8, 2012
Maple Flat to West Face down Northeast RidgeJen and I started by hiking up to the Y and then into Slide Canyon. Not much snow on the trail but very icy until Bear Flat.The hike up to Maple Flat was fun and easy. Crossed Maple Flat to the south side and then up the West Face. Very fun about 6 inches to two feet of snow on the slopes. No brush thrashing whatsoever.
Going near the south edge provided spectacular views of Mount Nebo, Santaquin, Buckley's and Flat Top. Came up exactly where the summit pole and cairn stack was. Walked further south east to the true summit.
Hiked down the northeast ridge to the "road" and then into Slide Canyon and back to the car.
Great day with fantastic views!
With no brush thrashing this could become the standard way up the mountain.
apachedino - Nov 13, 2011 5:34 pm Date Climbed: Jan 6, 2011
Boarded w/ VanmanGreat boarding off the NW shoulder and drainage until the scrub oak choked bottom!
evets23 - Jan 31, 2011 12:27 am Date Climbed: Jan 29, 2011
Maple Mountain Jan 2011Have climbed Maple mountain and Y mountain most winters since 1987 when I moved here from California. Winter is the best time to do this climb as there is no bush-wacking to speak of. Did it yesterday with our new dog Toula, a small border terrier. Wonderful clear views. Lots of tracks in the snow up high (cougar?).
maxutils - Jun 27, 2010 2:14 pm Date Climbed: Jul 4, 1984
Could have used this site in 1984!!!Actually, it could have been 1983, I am not sure but I do remember it was July 4th and I could barely hear a band playing from the valley for the 4th of July celebration. I was very surprised that I could hear that all the way from the summit of Maple Mountain.
I say that I could have REALLY used the information on this site because I had no knowlege of ANY trail and I forged my own. I started on the Y trail but left it pretty early on. There was a trail or two that I followed but they fizzled out after not very far and I had to fight through the brush all the way to the top. It was difficult venture to say the least, but I love that mountain.
On the way down, I discovered the slide canyon trail and followed it to the Y and then on down. What a relief. I was exhausted.
In June 2010, I climbed Y mountain for the first time. But before I did, I followed the trail up to Apache Flats (I didn't know the name until I later found this website) From there I noticed the road that headed up to the west on Maple Mountain. I followed it until it ended and then I continued up some trails and they came to an end. I thought back to my hike up Maple Mountain years earlier and decided I wasn't in the mood to slug my way through the brush (I was about 25 then and 53 now) so I went back down the road and then to the Y mountain trail. I think I will climb it again in a few days but I will drive up the Squaw Peak trail and walk down to Apache Flats and then up the road and then to the top. It was interesting to read the history of that road. I had no idea why it was there when I was following it. I was hoping that it was part of a trail all the way to the top. I really appreciate the info posted here. It is very interesting and very helpful.
P.S. I had no idea that there were black bears up in there. I don't think there were very many years ago. It seems like we are hearing more and more about bear encounters these days.
thigbee - Feb 2, 2010 3:00 pm
More bushwhacking than I would have liked...I climbed this mountain a few years ago by hiking up Y Mountain to Slide Canyon, then going up the east ridge of the peak. It was bushwhacking hell and I swore to myself that it would never happen again.
aprovance - Oct 10, 2009 8:27 pm Date Climbed: Oct 10, 2009
via Slide CanyonHit the trailhead to the Y at around 1230pm, and reached Apache Flat, and found the old road as described on the page. It was very easy to spot as the foliage was gone. Followed the road for nearly a half a mile as it went west and then turned south. There was a clear trail along the middle of the old road. Once the road ends, there is a game trail for a couple hundred feet, then I just did some routefinding to reach the summit in 2.5 hours. Great views, especially of Provo Peak, Freedom Peak, Shingle Mill, and Cascade. Unfortunately, I did not find the summit register as described by Dean. This is a hike best done in the fall or winter once the underbrush is gone. Roundtrip around 8.5 miles.
Dean - Sep 13, 2008 9:52 pm Date Climbed: Sep 13, 2008
East side bushwhackI left the Y parking lot amid a bunch of others who were heading up for the Y. I was the only one of the bunch that continued on, heading up into Slide Canyon. About halfway up to Bear Flat, two
gals passed me as they headed for Y mountain's top. A trail runner who had done Provo Peak earlier ran past me on his way down and one other gent passed me on his way down, mentioning that he had just had knee surgery. Beyond the turn off for Y mountain, I saw no one else the remainder of the day. I obviously missed the "road bed" mentioned on the front page and when I came to a saddle between Maple Mtn and Peak 9001 (aka Lions Head), I just headed "up" into the brush. For almost thousand feet vertical, I fought brush that reminded me of western washington. When I finally topped out, I had some nice views and placed a register not far from the highest spot. If you are crazy enough to do this hike, look for a red top plastic container. It is also a good one not to do solo as I did.
To go down, I just reversed the bushwhack but was luckier on the descent as I found some game trails that eased the effort. I was trying to get back down in time to see the UCLA-BYU football game (BYU won 59-0) The bushwhack going up added at least a good hour
to my overall effort. Mileage? Probably close to 8 miles and under 4000 feet of elevation gain. This is one I will not want to repeat as the brush is a real pain. I did see some fairly fresh bear scat on the slopes I went up.
vanman798 - Oct 27, 2007 10:19 pm Date Climbed: Feb 27, 2016
From Squaw Peak TrailFeb 27, 2016: Up Slide Canyon to the top of Maple Mtn, skied three laps on the NE ski run then out via the Right Fork and Rock Canyon. I skied all the way from the summit of Maple Mtn to the gate at the Kitchen in Rock Canyon. At Apache Flat we dug out the spring which was flowing but under six feet of snow.
Nov 8, 2015 -- Followed the road to nowhere then when up the north aspect. 2 hours 45 mins from Y trail parking lot to summit. Came down the ski run (no snow yet).
November 11, 2013 -- Did Y Mtn first then strolled over to Maple. Followed bear tracks most of the way.
January 6, 2011 -- Booted it up to the Y, and then over to the Crows Nest, a bit past there we put on the skies and started skinning. From the peak of Maple we skied down the NE aspect (mostly east) near and between a group of pine trees. Nice skiing.
Oct 27, 2007 -- The "road" that runs between the east side of Maple Mountain and the west side of Provo Peak is called Squaw Peak Trail..... Anyway, we drove up that and parked at the same place one would begin the Provo Peak climb from, only we headed east, skirted up and over the North side of Lions Head and dropped into the flat where the trail from Slate Canyon and our trail cross. From there we bushwhacked due west up to the North East ridge, and then followed that to the peak. En route up the ridge, we had to walk in 3 or 4 inches of snow, in which we clearly recognized the tracks of a cougar apparently tracking a deer.
peachey - Oct 17, 2007 2:03 pm Date Climbed: May 26, 2007
Route climbed: Slate CanyonInstead of using the Y trail approach, I decided to be adventurous and head up Slate Canyon on the south side of the mountain. I was disappointed that the springs had been tapped and were no longer exposed, but the canyon was very beautiful and green nonetheless. I had to do some crazy bushwacking on the last climb to the summit from the back side. Thank goodness I was wearing pants! Roundtrip was almost 10 miles. It took me 2.5 hours to get to the top, with 4000 ft vertical climb. It took me about 1 hour to jog down. The view from the top is spectacular! I only wish I had had more time to spend up there.