Block U, Hillside letter on Mount Van Cott, Salt Lake City, United States

The Block U is a concrete hillside letter on Mount Van Cott, just north of the University of Utah campus. It stands over 30 meters tall with a surface area exceeding 455 square meters, and its 240 flush-mounted fixtures alternate red and white. The letter is visible from many parts of the Salt Lake Valley.

Students originally painted their graduation year on Mount Van Cott until 1907, when university administration built a permanent concrete letter on the hillside. This shift from temporary paint to a lasting structure marked the transition toward creating a formal symbol for the institution.

The Block U lights up in different patterns based on University of Utah athletic team results, glowing steadily for losses and flashing for victories. Visitors throughout the valley can watch these light changes and follow along with the team's performance from afar.

The official trailhead sits at the end of Tomahawk Drive in Salt Lake City, with the letter's address listed as 1635 New Bedford Dr. The climb is steep and loose gravel and rocks can make footing tricky. From the top, the letter and much of the Salt Lake Valley are in view.

The monument underwent a major upgrade in 2006 with 240 LED lights now controlled wirelessly from the Merrill Engineering building across campus. This wireless system allows staff to change lighting patterns instantly for celebrations or special occasions.