Dark Ebony

Wasatch Backcountry

Dark Ebony is a nice long tree lined gully with perfect pitch that comes off the E ridge of Mineral Fork.

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance: 3 km
Ascent: 7 m
Descent: 837 m
Duration: 0-1 hrs

Low Point: 2.3 km
High Point: 3.2 km
Gradient: 43˚

Description

To approach Dark Ebony, park at the Mineral Fork, 5.7 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon on the S side of the road. Cross through the gate and follow the old jeep road as it winds it's way up into the open canyon. From here continue up into the canyon, cross over the creek and head up the E fork of the canyon, working through the trees until you hit the ridge. Finally, continue along until you find the entry and drop on it.

Dark Ebony starts on top of the large slabs named Ivory Flakes which drop into Cardiff Fork. The line starts with a nice open treed slope in the upper thirty degree range, then narrows down into a treed chute that continues for a thousand feet or so, and empties into the upper reaches of Mineral Fork. From here you cross over to the W side of the canyon and the follow the old jeep road out to the main highway.