Sunday, October 27, 2013

Butler Fork Trail

Today was just an incredible day -- temperature-wise.  It is rare for this late in October to have a bright, sunny day in the mid 60s.  That is why I took advantage of it and headed up Big Cottonwood Canyon and hit up Butler Creek Trail.

I had spotted this trail a few weeks ago and I hadn't been able to find too much information about it.  I suspect it is because there aren't any lakes on it.  It does offer a 3-mile loop with a stop-off at Dog Lake, which I have visited before.  I was more interested in continuing west on the trail and hitting Mount Raymond and Gobbler's Knob.

The trail head is located about 9 miles from the canyon entrance on the north side.  It is just within shouting distance of Mill Creek D, or the Lake Desolation Trail.  There is plenty of parking on this trail and you will likely see a few cars here, but this isn't one of the most popular trails.

The first .5 mile or is a steep climb.  While technically not challenging, it will test your endurance.  I know I was moving at about 29 minutes per mile, a slow pace and still breathing pretty hard.  Granted, I had run 20 miles yesterday, but other than a sharp pain in my hip I was fine.  Luckily after 1.5 miles the trail does flatten out -- somewhat.  You have to remember, it is about a 1720 foot climb to the top.

The first section of the trail is NOT runnable.  There is a steep drop off or two that you really have to take care on.  After that, though, the trail is runnable, with mostly dirt.  There is a lot of switchbacks and the climbing can be intense at times, but nothing more strenuous than Lake Blanche's (which arguably is the toughest).

I made it to the top to Gobbler's Knob in just about 2 hours.  I talked to a few people on the way up and I took some pictures as well.  For some reason my Garmin kept stopping but I did measure the distance back down from Gobbler's Knob at 3.75 miles, one way.   I did a semi-run on the way down -- running when I could and walking the slippery parts.  I came back down in just over an hour (1:15).  The temperature up at the top was at least 10 - 15 degrees cooler than at the bottom of the canyon.  Luckily I had brought some extra clothes with me.  Up until that point, however, I was wishing I had shorts on.

The trail was pretty, offering some fantastic views of the canyons, Salt Lake City and the Park City area.  There aren't many signs on the trail so study the map carefully before leaving.  At about 3 miles into the hike you will come to a fork -- either go straight to hug the side of the mountain (which doesn't seem well traveled) or go up and back the way you came.  If you go up, a short while later you'll come to another fork, if you want to reach Gobbler's Knob, go right, Mount Raymond will be on your left.

Overall a super nice hike and I managed to get a nice sunburn too!

Parking lot

Mount Kessler
Mount Kessler

Map of where I'd be going

Butler Fork Trail
Start of the trail -- going up!

Butler Fork Trail


Butler Fork Trail
Shroud of pines.

Butler Fork Trail
A grove of birch trees. You'll be in that for a lot

Butler Fork Trail

Butler Fork Trail
Big Cottonwood Road in the distance


Butler Fork Trail

Butler Fork Trail

Butler Fork Trail
About half way up. Stunning views.

Butler Fork Trail

Butler Fork Trail

Mount Raymond
Mount Raymond




Butler Fork Trail






Butler Fork Trail
Salt Lake City below



Butler Fork Trail
View where I had my lunch.


Gobbler's Knob
North view from Gobbler's Knob

Looking out over the Great Salt Lake. Stansbury island to the left. Antelope island to the right





Arnold Palmer, my drink of choice



Gobbler's Knob
Gobbler's Knob ahead


Mount Raymond
Mount Raymond



Gobbler's Knob
Gobbler's Knob





Sign post


Butler Fork Trail

Next time's hike

Pond near Mineral Fork Trail