There are no signs posted to direct hikers to the Sawtooth Canyon trail that leads to Notch Peak, so specific directions might be desirable.
First, be aware: 10.4 miles of sometimes rough dirt road (in places barely passable by cars in good weather) is required. BLM maps of the area are wise accessories, since the House Mountains are encircled by a maze of dirt roads.Those from Salt Lake City and the Wasatch Front should consider camping or lodging near Delta, since Notch is about 180 miles from Utah's capital.
To reach Notch Peak, travel southwest from Delta on U.S. 50/6 to the 48-mile marker road sign. Go 0.2 mile past this sign and turn right (northwest) on a dirt road. Go another mile and turn right again. Travel 0.9 miles to a junction with barrel and sticks posted there and turn left (west). Go 2.1 miles more and stay right (the north fork) at a junction. Travel another 3.6 miles and go left (an old corral is to the right).
Travel exactly two more miles toward Sawtooth Canyon and pass by an old miner's cabin to your right. Proceed 0.7 miles further and park on the left side. This is the trailhead, with an elevation of 6,400 feet above sea level. Plan on at least a 2 1/2- to 3-hour hike to the top. Most guidebooks probably underestimate the mileage. It is at least a 5-mile, one-way hike - maybe even a little more. You will climb 3,255 feet along the way.
Hikers trek up the canyon washbed much of the way. Most of the drainage is wide, gradual and easy. After a mile, hike along thebottom of the left canyon fork - also left of a large rounded knob in the cliffs above.
At about 3.5 miles out, a large pine tree blocks the trail. Although several other trees also block passage earlier along the trail, this is the "big one." Fifty feet after this downed tree, there are two ledges where some scrambling is required to climb a dozen feet up to the next ledge. Small children and dogs would need lots of help climbing here.
From here, the trail heads northwest and still follows the canyon wash. After 4.5 miles, you'll see a large rounded mountain in front of you. That's Notch Peak. However, you want to go right (east) of the peak for the most gradual climb.
At this viewpoint, you'll see a spectacular view of Notch's west side. With loose rocks here, don't get too close. It's another 500-yard scramble - the steepest of the hike - on a protected ridge to the peak. If you've come this far, don't quit now!
On top there's a 7-foot-tall rock cairn with a silver mailbox embedded in it. Be sure to sign your name in the notebook and enjoy the comments of other hikers, besides the view.
For most hiking down will take one-third to half the time required coming up.
Because this is a desert hike, this is best done in the spring or fall. Summer is usually too hot, and in the winter and early spring there's too much snow.