Mount Van Cott, mountain in the Wasatch Range in Salt Lake County, Utah, United States
Mount Van Cott is a mountain in Salt Lake County near Salt Lake City with a popular hiking trail to its summit. The peak forms a gentle ridge along a larger ridgeline and offers wide views of the city, the Great Salt Lake, and surrounding mountain ranges from the top.
Lucy May Van Cott became the first dean of women at the University of Utah in 1907 and served in that role until 1931. A large "U" was placed on the hillside behind the peak and has marked the lasting connection between the mountain and the university since then.
The mountain is named after Lucy May Van Cott, the first dean of women at the University of Utah. Her name reflects the deep connection between this place and the university's academic history in the local community.
The trail starts from a parking lot in Red Butte Canyon and is about 2.3 miles long with an elevation gain of around 1,200 feet (365 meters). Wear good hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, and watch for rattlesnakes during warmer months.
The mountain and its surroundings go through striking seasonal changes, especially in spring and fall when the foliage turns bright red, orange, and yellow. These color transformations are an often-overlooked reason why many hikers prefer visiting during these seasons for both the visual appeal and the milder weather.
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