Pioneer Peak is a smaller mountain within the Wasatch Mountain Range that lies near the south border of the Brighton Ski Area. The close proximity to Brighton makes this peak popular backcountry ski terrain. The northeast face is particularly steep and beautiful and catches your eye as you ride the lifts up Brighton. Skiers wonder from the protected boundaries of Brighton and typically generate a few “close call” avalanches per year.

Dog Lake sits just below Pioneer Peak and is a popular area in the Wasatch for its astounding wildflowers, easy hiking, and short distance from Brighton. The shortest route to the summit of Pioneer Peak is the North Ridge. For a longer day with awesome scenery, use Pioneer Peak as the last of a five-summit ring that circles the Brighton area. Follow Mount Millicent to Mount Wolverine, Mount Tuscarora, Sunset Peak, and Pioneer Peak (superhikers can push two additional miles to Clayton Peak). The valleys below these peaks have well-maintained trails that lead back to Brighton so you can ditch out at any point and return home.