Kesler Peak

Wasatch Backcountry

A very steep hike to one of the most prominent peaks in Big Cottonwood Canyon

Hiking Extreme

Distance: 9.8 km
Ascent: 941 m
Descent: 941 m
Duration: 3-4 hrs

Low Point: 2.2 km
High Point: 3.1 km
Gradient: 19˚

This is one of the steepest hikes in the Wasatch mountains. The trail follows steep switchbacks through the forest for just over 2 miles with 3,000 feet of elevation gain. The trail is a little tricky to find, but it's worth it for the summit views. The steep terrain keeps it from being very busy despite its proximity to the Big Cottonwood Canyon road and the very popular Doughnut Falls trail.

Ridge to Carbonate Pass Photo: summitcheese

Looking Towards the Uintas Photo: summitcheese

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".

Similar routes nearby

1 m away

Cardiff Fork

This is an easy hike up an old road grade through a beautiful drainage lined by rugged alpine peaks.

Moderate Hiking

Distance: 14 km
Ascent: 840 m
Descent: 841 m

1 m away

Donut Falls

Scenic hike to a small waterfall in a narrow canyon.

Moderate Hiking

Distance: 5.3 km
Ascent: 160 m
Descent: 160 m

64 m away

Desolation Lake

This is a lovely moderate hike through some large aspen groves reaching a quiet little lake.

Moderate Hiking

Distance: 12 km
Ascent: 606 m
Descent: 606 m

1.1 km away

Butler Fork Loop

This is a 7 mile loop with 2,000 feet of elevation that passes through thick woods and opens up with breathtaking views across the canyon.

Difficult Hiking

Distance: 11 km
Ascent: 610 m
Descent: 609 m

1.1 km away

Mount Raymond

Mount Raymond is one of the tallest and most prominent peaks along the Big Cottonwood/Millcreek ridge.

Severe Hiking

Distance: 12 km
Ascent: 928 m
Descent: 926 m

1.1 km away

Gobblers Knob

The trail up Gobblers Knob is a Wasatch classic that offers moderate hiking through aspen groves and into the open alpine.

Difficult Hiking

Distance: 11 km
Ascent: 927 m
Descent: 927 m

1.2 km away

Days Fork

The Days Fork trail is a little over 7 miles round trip with some good elevation gain through a heavily wooded canyon that opens up into the Alpine as you gain the Little Cottonwood Ridge.

Difficult Hiking