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About this place
Empire Pass Ridge is a great hike in the summer to get out of the hot temps of the valley below and provides majestic views of Park City, Deer Creek Reservoir, and Clayton Peak.
Starting at an elevation of 8,960 feet at Empire Pass, the trail follows the ridge to the west. It starts off on a gravel road, but quickly turns into a single-track trail once you pass the buried water tank. For the most part, you will stay on the ridge and have great views of Clayton Peak, Deer Creek Reservoir, and Park City, but for a short time Empire Pass Ridge trail drops into the trees near Daly Chutes within Deer Valley ski area. Once you pass the tree section you'll be back on the ridge and will be able to look down on Empire Canyon / Daly Canyon.
It's approximately 1.6 miles to the top of Deer Valley's Empire Express chairlift. Many people choose to make this their turn around, but if you want to make it a longer hike, keep following the ridge past Monkey's Lift at Park City Mountain Resort to reach the summit. From summit, you'll be able to look down Thaynes Canyon and see the overlook for the Iron Mountain Trail.
For the most part the trail is easy and doesn't require any specific footwear, but there is one step section that requires sure footing.
Have fun and enjoy!