Devils Castle Traverse to Sunset Peak

A fun ridgeline traverse over Devils Castle to Sunset Peak at Alta Ski Area.

Hiking Extreme

Distance: 9.3 km
Ascent: 690 m
Descent: 690 m
Duration: 3-4 hrs

Low Point: 2.9 km
High Point: 3.3 km
Gradient: 17˚

Devils Castle Traverse to Sunset Peak Map

Note: this route warrants a "Moderate" Mountaineering difficulty rating.

Photo from Devils Castle Traverse to Sunset Peak — Photo: Keith Fearnow

Description

A fun ridgeline traverse starting from Cecret Lake Trailhead. Head up to Cecret Lake via the Cecret Lake Trail. Once at the lake make your way up towards Devils Castle and hop on a steep switchback rocky scree field trail until reaching an open field at the top in between Sugarloaf Mountain and the Castle.

There's technical climbing and scrambling with a couple of class 4 and class 5 climbing moves over a rocky ridge until reaching the Devils Castle summit. Then head toward East Castle, down the open rocky field and over towards Point Supreme where a clear trail towards Sunset Peak will become apparent.

Head over to Sunset Peak and embrace the beautiful views. Turn back the way you came, but instead of heading back towards the Castle, go towards Rocky Point and Catherines. Follow the welcoming and well-trafficked trail and then a snowcat/service road will lead you down to the base of Cecret Lake Trail at Alta Ski Area.

Difficulty

Extreme

Scrambling up mountains and along technical trails with moderate fall exposure. Handholds are necessary to navigate the trail in its entirety, although they are not necessary at all times. Some obstacles can be very large and difficult to navigate, and the grades can often be near-vertical. The challenge of the trail and the steepness of the grade results in very strenuous hiking. Hikes of this difficulty blur the lines between "hiking" and "climbing".

Extreme Exposure

Some trail sections are extremely exposed where falling will almost certainly result in serious injury or death.

Remoteness

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

Features

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