🏔️ Delano Peak Hiking Area – Reach the Roof of Southern Utah
Towering at 12,169 feet, Delano Peak is the highest point in the Tushar Mountains and one of Utah’s most spectacular, yet surprisingly accessible, high-altitude adventures. Known for its sweeping views, open ridgelines, and alpine tundra, Delano offers a memorable escape for hikers, ATV riders, photographers, and wildlife watchers.
Just a scenic ride or drive from our campground, Delano Peak and the surrounding hiking area provide a peaceful and unforgettable experience in the second-highest range in Utah.
Quick Overview
- Delano Peak summit is 12,169 ft.
- Round trip trail distance is ~3.5 miles
- Average hike time is 2-3 hours
- Trail type is out and back
- Difficulty is moderate due to the elevation
- No facilities are available
- Dogs are allowed
Where Is Delano Peak?
Delano Peak sits on the Sevier/Beaver County line in the Fishlake National Forest, south of Marysvale. It forms the highest point in the Tushar range, surrounded by wild, open country, perfect for hiking, riding, and getting away from it all.
There are multiple ways to access the hiking area:
- Via Forest Road 123 (Beaver Canyon/Big John Flat Road) – The most common route
- By ATV/UTV via the Paiute Trail system – An unforgettable ride through the alpine
- On foot from the Delano Peak Trailhead, just above Big John Flat
Hiking the Delano Peak Trail
The most popular route to the summit starts at Delano Peak Trailhead, located near Big John Flat (~10,500 ft). From there, hikers follow a faint but visible ridge trail up to the summit. The hike features:
- Wide-open alpine views
- Gently sloping ridgelines
- Cool temperatures even in summer
- Wildflowers, wildlife, and 360° panoramic views
At the top, you'll enjoy unobstructed vistas of:
- The Sevier Valley to the north
- The Pine Valley Mountains in the south
- Fishlake Plateau, Pahvant Range, and even glimpses of Bryce Canyon’s red cliffs on clear days
Local Tip: Hike in the morning to beat the afternoon clouds or monsoon storms that can form quickly in summer.
Wildlife & Photography
Delano Peak and the Tushar Mountains are home to a unique and diverse mix of wildlife. Keep your eyes open for:
- Mountain goats (often seen above 11,000 ft)
- Marmots, pikas, and deer
- Raptors soaring along the ridgelines
- Blooming wildflowers in late June through August
Photographers and nature lovers will find this area especially rewarding at sunrise or sunset.
ATV Access and Scenic Riding
Even if you don’t plan to summit Delano, the Big John Flat area and surrounding ridges are incredible riding destinations. Riders often:
- Use Paiute Trail 01 and connecting spurs to reach Big John Flat
- Park ATVs at or near the trailhead and hike to the summit
- Enjoy panoramic riding routes with fewer crowds than lower elevation trails
🛻 This is one of the most scenic ATV rides in the entire Paiute Trail system and it starts from your RV site!
What to Bring
- Layers — even in summer, temps at the summit can dip below 50°F
- Water and high-elevation snacks
- Hiking shoes or boots with good traction
- Sun protection — there is little to no shade on the trail
- Trekking poles (optional but helpful on the descent)
- Camera or binoculars
- GPS, map, or tracking app (the trail is visible but not heavily signed)
Safety Notes
- Weather can change quickly at high elevation — check forecasts before you go
- Thunderstorms are common in late summer afternoons — plan to summit early
- There are no services, water, or shelter — this is a true backcountry hike
- Be aware of altitude — take it slow if you’re not used to hiking above 10,000 ft
Basecamp for the Summit
By staying at our RV park in Marysvale, you have easy access to Delano Peak and Big John Flat, whether you’re hiking, riding, or simply sightseeing. You can:
- Ride ATVs directly from your campsite to the trail area
- Spend the day in the high alpine and be back at camp by dinner
- Use Delano as the highlight of a full Paiute Trail alpine loop ride
- Introduce your family to a safe and scenic high-elevation hike
Guests often tell us the Delano Peak hike was the highlight of their trip, and one they’d gladly return for year after year.