Mount Raymond

Wasatch Backcountry

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

Hiking Severe

Distance: 12 km
Ascent: 928 m
Descent: 926 m
Duration: 3-4 hrs

Low Point: 2.2 km
High Point: 3.1 km
Gradient: 14˚

Mount Raymond is a 7.3 mile long hike with a gain of over 3,000 feet in elevation. It starts at the Butler Fork trailhead and works its way through some lovely aspen groves as it gains a fair amount of elevation.

Mount Raymond, Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah Photo: Andrey Zharkikh

Northwest view from the top of Mount Raymond Photo: Andrey Zharkikh

Southeast view from the top of Mount Raymond Photo: Andrey Zharkikh

Grandeur Peak (8299 ft / 2530 m) as seen from the top of Mount Raymond Photo: Andrey Zharkikh

Description

From the trailhead, The trail follows the creek along the bottom of a steep gully for the first section. There is a steep climb to exit the gully. From here you'll cross a bridge and head into the pine forest.

Shortly after you'll encounter a signed fork in the trail. Continue on the left (west) branch and you'll switch back through the lovely aspen grove until you reach the ridge near Circle Awl Peak. Another intersection will come up shortly, continue to the left and you'll contour the upper valley and Mount Raymond will be visible. This contouring trail takes you to the saddle between Gobblers Knob and Mount Raymond.

Take the left (west) trail and enjoy the ridge and the grand views it offers as you near the summit. The final few hundred feet runs up a few rock bands to be scrambled up before reaching the top. The summit views are some of the most all-encompassing that the Wasatch has to offer.

Difficulty

Severe

Hiking challenging trails where simple scrambling, with the occasional use of the hands, is a distinct possibility. The trails are often filled with all manner of obstacles both small and large, and the hills are very steep. Obstacles and challenges are often unexpected and can be unpredictable.

Similar routes nearby

0 m 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

3 m 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

1.1 km 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

1.1 km 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

1.1 km away

Kesler Peak

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

Extreme Hiking

Distance: 9.8 km
Ascent: 941 m
Descent: 941 m

1.2 km 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

2.2 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