Box Elder Peak is tucked away between the Alpine Ridge and Mt. Timpanogos. The mountain received its name from early settlers who discovered an abundance of Box Elder trees along its faces and canyons.

The lush terrain enticed settlers to use the mountain for cattle grazing and lumber; yet, lacking a check and balance, the mountain was soon deforested and massive erosion ensued. In 1933, the Civilian Conservation Corps began a project to cut erosion trenches all along the Wasatch Front to protect the mountains from erosion in these areas. Although much vegetation has returned, these trenches are still visible on the west, south, and east faces of Box Elder Peak.

The most stunning feature of Box Elder Peak is its North Cirque. With steep terrain and sharp limestone cliffs, the North Cirque provides a difficult mountaineering ascent and a superb ski descent. The safest winter route is through Dry Creek onto the West Face. The shortest summer route is through Deer Creek and up the North Ridge.

The beauty of Box Elder Peak is it receives a small fraction of the traffic its popular neighbors attract (Mt. Timpanogos, Lone Peak, and Pfeifferhorn). Nearly any day of the year, you'll probably be the only one on the mountain.