Road to Clayton Peak: Driving the 20% Service Track in Utah
Clayton Peak, also known as Mount Majestic, is a summit at an elevation of 3,196 meters (10,485 feet) located in Salt Lake County, in the US state of Utah, accessed via a 3.5 km unpaved ski-station service road from Brighton Resort within the Wasatch Mountains.
| Road facts: Clayton Peak | |
|---|---|
| Location | Salt Lake County, Utah, USA |
| Elevation Gain | 518 m |
| Length | 3.5 km (2.17 miles) |
| Average Gradient | 14.8% |
| Max Gradient | 20% |
How is the road to Clayton Peak?
The 3.5 km unpaved route starts at the Brighton Resort parking lot and serves as a chairlift maintenance track. It features a sustained average gradient of 14.8% with specific ramps hitting 20%. The surface consists of loose alpine scree and dirt, requiring high-clearance 4x4 vehicles with low-range gearing.
What are the driving hazards on the road to Clayton Peak?
Extreme exposure and high-altitude weather bring sudden snow squalls even in summer. The 20% slopes risk transmission overheating on the climb and severe brake fade on the descent. The track lacks safety barriers, and the loose surface offers minimal friction on narrow turns near the 3,196m summit.
When is the road to Clayton Peak open?
Accessibility is restricted to a narrow window in late summer, typically around August, after snowpacks melt. Heavy snow blocks the route for the rest of the year. Drivers must prepare for rapid temperature drops and verify local forecasts before starting the 518-meter vertical climb.
What is the driving strategy for the road to Clayton Peak?
Steady throttle control prevents wheel spin on the 20% inclines, while locking differentials and low gearing handle the 14.8% average slope. On the descent, engine braking is mandatory to prevent brake pads from glazing. Drivers must watch for rocks displaced by weather or machinery.
Pic: Vance Boyer