Andy Nelson Peak

Best Time to Climb Andy Nelson Peak

Andy Nelson Peak is best done summer through fall, once the access road and the upper slopes have cleared of snow. Outside that window, snow on the road in and on the higher terrain can make reaching the route difficult.

Backcountry Tips for Andy Nelson Peak

• This is Dixie National Forest land rather than National Park territory, and dogs are commonly hiked off-leash here, standard for the area
• Camping is easy nearby — several Navajo Lake campgrounds make a convenient base for an early start
• Consider pairing this climb with the nearby Kane County High Point, a much shorter add-on from the same area

Getting to Andy Nelson Peak

Andy Nelson Peak is reached from the Navajo Lake area near Duck Creek Village. The route starts from the Lodge/Boat Ramp turnoff at Navajo Lake, from which it's roughly a 4-mile round trip to the summit and back.

What to Expect on Andy Nelson Peak

Andy Nelson Peak tops out around 10,030 feet, making it the highest true summit in Kane County. This isn't a maintained, signed trail from end to end — expect some route-finding and light bushwhacking rather than a clear, consistent tread underfoot the whole way. There's plenty of shade along the route, which helps on a warm day, but no water sources are available, so carry everything you'll need.