Iron Peak and UNP 8114, Cottonwood Mountain - UT, quad

Iron Peak and Peak 8114 are both non-descript peaks residing up the Little Creek Canyon near Paragonah.  From the Paragonah interchange of I-15 (exit 82), travel back southeast, toward the town, and turn west on the first dirt road (700 North).  Travel the 5.5 miles, once you leave the asphalt, to a jeep trail bearing north.  According to the TOPO map, this jeep trail is number 585.  Leaving the maintained gravel road, turn on to jeep trail 585.  A high clearance vehicle and 4x4 are required if you plan to drive to the upper saddle.  Also, plan on getting your truck scratched.  I parked in a large clearing at the base of the hill and hiked up the road.  An ATV would be a great alternative.   

ATV track view of Iron Mountain

ATV track view of Iron Mountain

This road skirts around trees and rocks in the general direction of Iron Peak. All class 1 rough road hiking.  Near the high saddle, but before you begin any downward hiking, leave the trail and begin the trek toward the peak. The climb is easy class 2, and the view down and across the high country plain is beautiful.  The short rise travels along a ridgeline with a straight ascent to the summit.  Like most desert summits, a little surge creates gorgeous views in all directions.

Iron Peak summit view

Iron Peak summit view

Backtrack off the summit to the road again and continue to follow north.  At the "Y" turn to the hikers left (west) and tracked throughout several small saddles toward the unranked Peak 8114.  The ATV trail becomes faint but arrives at another high saddle, and a faint trail wanders through the Juniper pine trees to the summit of Peak 8114.

Summit cairn UNP 8114

Summit cairn UNP 8114