Location and surroundings
Cobble Hill is located in the United States, specifically within the state of Utah and the administrative district of Tooele County. The mountain is part of a complex range hierarchy, belonging to the North American Cordillera, Intermountain West, Great Basin Ranges, East Great Basin Ranges, Great Salt Lake Desert Ranges, and finally the Grassy Mountains. The surrounding landscape is characteristic of the region, featuring arid expanses, desert ranges, and broad valleys typical of the Great Basin.
Neighbouring peaks
The vicinity of Cobble Hill features several notable summits and landforms at varying distances and directions:
- Puddle Valley Knolls: peak, 1,327 m, 5.9 km E
- Round Mountain: peak, 1,667 m, 15.8 km N
- Jedediah Mountain: peak, 1,777 m, 16.0 km NE
- Black Mountain: peak, 1,990 m, 16.4 km E
- Peak 6530: peak, 1,990 m, 17.0 km SE
- Grayback Hills: peak, 1,359 m, 17.1 km SW
- Craner Peak: peak, 2,018 m, 17.4 km E
- Peak 6605: peak, 2,013 m, 17.9 km SE
Standing at 1,681 metres, Cobble Hill is lower than several of these immediate neighbours, such as Jedediah Mountain and Black Mountain, but towers over lower-lying formations like Puddle Valley Knolls and the Grayback Hills.
The view from the summit
From the high point of Cobble Hill, climbers and observers can look out across the region toward several significant higher summits located within a 25-kilometre radius. The prominent peaks in sight include:
- Hastings Benchmark: 2,046 m, 19.5 km SE
- Peak 6570: 2,003 m, 21.5 km SE
- Peak 6563: 2,000 m, 23.0 km S
- Peak 6373: 1,943 m, 22.2 km SE
- Cedar Mountain: 1,634 m, 16.0 km SE
- Table Mountain: 1,575 m, 21.9 km E
These surrounding elevations shape the horizon and provide extensive views across the desert ranges.
The range
Cobble Hill belongs to the Grassy Mountains, which form the narrowest tier of the mountain range hierarchy starting from the North American Cordillera down through the Intermountain West, Great Basin Ranges, East Great Basin Ranges, and the Great Salt Lake Desert Ranges. The high point of the entire Grassy Mountains range is elsewhere, while Cobble Hill serves as a smaller peak within this desert range system.
Climate and weather
The climate data for the summit and surrounding area are estimates derived from NASA POWER climate data covering the years 2001 through 2020, with temperatures adjusted to the summit elevation of 1,681 metres. At the summit, the warmest month is July with a mean temperature of about 25 °C, while the coldest month is January at about -3 °C. Mean temperatures remain above freezing at the summit during March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. In the surrounding area, precipitation totals about 250 mm per year, with April being the wettest month at about 35 mm and July the driest at about 10 mm. Typical regional hazards include high summer heat, sudden weather shifts, and strong winds common in open desert mountain environments.
Best time to visit
The most suitable period for visiting Cobble Hill aligns with the months when the summit temperatures are generally above freezing, spanning from March through November. During these months, conditions are more favourable compared to the freezing depths of winter in January. Additionally, visitors often aim for drier periods, avoiding the wetter spring months like April when precipitation peaks, though July offers very dry conditions albeit with higher summer temperatures.
Nature and wildlife
The environment around Cobble Hill is defined by the arid conditions of the Great Salt Lake Desert Ranges and the Great Basin. Vegetation is typically sparse, consisting of drought-resistant shrubs, grasses, and low sagebrush suited to low annual precipitation and alkaline soils. Wildlife in this desert mountain ecosystem generally includes hardy small mammals, reptiles, and various bird species adapted to hot summers and cold winters.
Guides and organised ascents
While minor hills may not always require formal guiding, visitors looking for professional instruction or organised expeditions in the United States typically turn to established national organisations and companies. The national mountain guide association is the American Mountain Guides Association, which is an IFMGA/UIAGM member. The national alpine club and mountaineering federation is the American Alpine Club. Established guiding companies working in the mountains of the country include RMI Expeditions based in Ashford, Washington, and Exum Mountain Guides based in Moose, Wyoming. Visitors should note that certain peaks in the United States require climbing registration or permits from the land agency, such as Denali requiring registration at least 60 days ahead and Mount Rainier for routes on glaciers or above high camps.
Safety and preparation
Ascending peaks like Cobble Hill demands proper preparation, adequate water supplies, navigation tools, and sturdy footwear due to the rugged terrain and arid climate. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and summer heat poses dehydration risks. In the event of an emergency, the general emergency number in the United States is 911, which dispatches local search and rescue teams typically operated by the county sheriff or national park authorities.
Interesting facts
Cobble Hill reaches an elevation of 1,681 metres in Tooele County, Utah. The nearest higher peak is Jedediah Mountain, standing at 1,777 metres and located 16.0 km to the northeast. The mountain is situated firmly within the Grassy Mountains range inside the North American Cordillera.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Cobble Hill? Cobble Hill stands at an elevation of 1,681 metres.Where is Cobble Hill located? It is located in the United States, within the state of Utah and Tooele County, as part of the Grassy Mountains.
What mountain range does Cobble Hill belong to? It belongs to the North American Cordillera, Intermountain West, Great Basin Ranges, East Great Basin Ranges, Great Salt Lake Desert Ranges, and the Grassy Mountains.
What are the nearest peaks to Cobble Hill? The nearest peaks include Puddle Valley Knolls, Round Mountain, Jedediah Mountain, Black Mountain, Peak 6530, Grayback Hills, Craner Peak, and Peak 6605.
Is there water on the way to Cobble Hill? There are no natural springs or reliable water sources listed along the routes, so visitors must carry an adequate supply of water—typically 1.5 to 3 litres for a day trip—depending on the heat and length of the excursion.
What is the mobile phone coverage like on Cobble Hill? Coverage in these remote desert hills is generally patchy and depends entirely on your mobile operator. It is recommended to download offline maps before setting out, and remember that emergency services can be reached via 112 over any available network.