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Kessler Approach

Salt Lake City

Wasatch Backcountry

This is the easiest and most direct way to skin to the top of Kessler Peak and enjoy one of it's many great runs.

Ski Touring Difficult

Distance
1 km
Ascent
520 m
Descent
0 m
Duration
1-2 hrs
Low Point
2.6 km
High Point
3.1 km
Gradient
37˚
Kessler Approach Map

Park 7.1 miles up Big Cottonwood road on your right, at the base of the Argenta slide path. Head up the slide path using kick turns to gain the steep slope. Continue 2,000 feet up the slide path, staying near the sides if there are any avalanche concerns. Trend to the right, and once you gain the upper basin keep to the right and head into the thick spruce forest. You will gain the ridge through these trees. Once on the ridge head left, SW and stay on the ridge as much as possible as you skin up. The summit is off a bit to the right as you climb, and will become easy to locate. Once on top, there are many great runs on several good aspects to descend!

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

  • Trees
  • Walk Required

Equipment required

  • Skins

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area