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God's Lawnmower

Salt Lake City

Wasatch Backcountry

This is the huge avalanche path that's visible from the road on the N slope of Kessler Peak.

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
2 km
Ascent
2 m
Descent
946 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
2.1 km
High Point
3.1 km
Gradient
52˚
God's Lawnmower Map

To access, park at the Argenta pull-out on the S side, 7.1 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon road. Cross the creek and skin up the huge Argenta slide path trending to the right. In the upper bowl, head towards the W and gain the ridge, then follow this to get to as close to the summit as possible.

Description

It's very difficult to get to the tippy top of God's Lawnmower due to rotten snow and a very rocky summit, but it can be a novelty. Enjoy steep turns in fun tree-lined gullies on this N facing slope when avalanche conditions allow it. There are a few cliff bands, and steep rollovers, but it's easily navigated to get down to the runout zone. From here you can skin back up and enjoy another one of Kessler's classic lines, or ski back out through the dense trees to the road below.

Difficulty

Difficult

Serious gradient of 30-38 degrees where a real risk of slipping exists.

Low Exposure (E1)

1 out of 4

Exposure is limited to that of the slope itself. Getting hurt is still likely if the slope is steep and/or the snow is hard.

Remoteness

4 out of 4

In the high mountains or remote conditions, all individuals must be completely autonomous in every situation.

Best time to visit

between January and May

Features

  • Cliffs

Equipment required

  • Skins

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area