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Hiking Kessler Peak, Big Cottonwood Canyon

Kessler Peak (10,403 ft) is located in Big Cottonwood Canyon at the north end of the ridge that separates Cardiff Fork and Mineral Fork basin; it is the peak that connects the jagged ridgeline to Mt. Superior, also known as Cardiac Ridge. Kessler Peak provides an amazing 360 degree view of surrounding peaks, including Mt. Raymond & Gobblers Knob to the North, Broads Fork Twin Peaks to the West, Clayton Peak to the East, and Mt. Superior & Monte Cristo to the south. 

About

Hiking to Kessler Peak isn’t for the weak – this super steep hike is sure to give your legs a workout. It gains roughly 1,200 ft per mile! Because most of this hike follows the trail on the north face of Kessler Peak, it is almost all in the shade. There are no signs for this trail anywhere, but it starts and ends and the very popular Donut Falls Trailhead.

This is not a family-friendly hike and dogs are not allowed due to watershed rules. Hiking poles are very helpful on this trail if you have a pair. The best time of year to hike Kessler Peak is Summer & Fall, when the trail is dry and free of snow, and the Fall colors dot the landscape.

 

 

 

 

Directions

Drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon (BCC) 8.9 miles, and look for the Donut Falls TH sign and the very large parking lot on your right. July 1st through October 31st, you can drive right up the the TH, which is an additional 0.8 miles along a dirt road past the large parking lot. In winter, you’ll need to park before the gate, and walk up to the TH, though I don’t recommend summiting Kessler Peak in Winter due to avalanche danger. Restrooms are closed during Winter. Here is a driving map.

Trail Info

Distance: 5 miles RT

Elevation gain: 2,900 ft

Time: 5-7 hours

Dog friendly? No, dogs are not allowed in BCC

Kid friendly? No

Fees/Permits? None

Hiking Kessler Peak, Big Cottonwood Canyon

In summer there is a second gate that doesn’t open until 7am. If doing Kessler Peak super early to beat the heat, you will have to park at the main lot. As of 2022, there is now a new connector trail to reach the actual Donut Falls Summer Trailhead. The sign says to use this trail to avoid walking on the road. Some people just can’t read though…

The sign says it’s 1.5 miles to the Donut Falls TH, however, I tracked only 0.93 miles one way.

Hiking Kessler Peak, Big Cottonwood Canyon

 Follow the trail signs for Donut Falls, as you hike up one small switchback. The new connector trail gains about 200 ft so its pretty flat.

Hiking Kessler Peak, Big Cottonwood Canyon

 Pass the official Donut Falls TH and summer parking (there is a restroom there). The trail at the beginning is very wide and worn down from heavy traffic from the thousands of people hiking to Donut Falls every weekend.

Hiking Kessler Peak, Big Cottonwood Canyon

Just after you cross the bridge, you see a sign pointing left – this will take you to Donut Falls. Instead, go straight beyond this sign for about 15 ft until you reach the old jeep road, and turn left.

Hiking Kessler Peak, Big Cottonwood Canyon

Walk up this old jeep road (aka Cardiff Road) for about 200 yards, keeping an eye out for a trail leading up and to the right (West).

 This is your turn off for Kessler Peak. Again, it is not signed – just keep an eye out for this trail. There may or may not be a cairn there, but you can’t miss it.

Hiking Kessler Peak, Big Cottonwood Canyon

You will see a No Trespassing sign and rope, however, this is a public easement. As long as you stay out of the nearby properties, you are allowed to hike here. Now the elevation gain begins!

Hiking Kessler Peak, Big Cottonwood Canyon

 The trail immediately starts to gain elevation, and leads through some beautiful Aspen groves and open meadows.

Hiking Kessler Peak, Big Cottonwood Canyon

It is well-defined and you can’t get lost, but sections will be super steep. The trail curves around the North face of Kessler, and eventually wraps its way around the mountain to the West.

Hiking Kessler Peak, Big Cottonwood Canyon

 Around 9,000 ft the trail levels off slightly and traverses across a gully above this large open area known as “God’s Lawnmower” to backcountry skiers. It is an avalanche path, so only experienced backcountry skiers should attempt exploring this area during Winter with the proper gear. You can read about skiing it here.

When hiking across this path, you should clearly be able to see the parking area for the Butler Fork Trailhead along the road, which leads to Mt.Raymond & Gobblers Knob.

Hiking Kessler Peak, Big Cottonwood Canyon

 Crossing God’s Lawnmower avalanche path. You’ll see that many of the tress are only half grown, and tree stumps curve out from years of heavy snow and avalanches.

Hiking Kessler Peak, Big Cottonwood Canyon

The West facing slope is the steepest section yet, gaining 800 ft in just 0.6 miles! Pass this old cabin on your right.

Hiking Kessler Peak, Big Cottonwood Canyon

Another very steep section, this time with loose rock.

Hiking Kessler Peak, Big Cottonwood Canyon

 On some maps you will see a “Tunnel” marked near the ridge. Once you see this old mine, you are very close to the ridge!

Hiking Kessler Peak, Big Cottonwood Canyon

Approaching the main ridge.

Hiking Kessler Peak, Big Cottonwood Canyon

 Ah, finally on the ridge. Continue right (south). Once on the ridge, you are about another 15 minutes away from Kessler Peak.

Hiking Kessler Peak, Big Cottonwood Canyon

So close to the summit!

Hiking Kessler Peak, Big Cottonwood Canyon

 Kessler Peak finally in view! Whoo hoo!

Hiking Kessler Peak, Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah

My first time on Kessler Peak in 2016, with Cardiac Ridge behind me. It was much colder!

Hiking Kessler Peak, Big Cottonwood Canyon

And my second time on Kessler – 2022! From hiker to trail runner!

Both times I did this in October and I think its the best time to go. Compression socks are super helpful and great for speeding up recovery, increasing blood flow and oxygen to the legs on hard stuff, and not feeling as sore!

This is one of the steeper hikes in the Wasatch. Read about the Top 6 Steepest Hikes in the Wasatch!

Hiking Kessler Peak, Big Cottonwood Canyon, Utah

Another 2016 photo. Looking West, you can see down to SLC and on a clear day, the Oquirrhs and possibly Deseret Peak. You know when you drive East along I-215 and there’s a mountain directly above in the middle of the canyon? You’re looking at Kessler Peak! Every time I drive home I have looked at this peak for several years and have thought to myself, “I need to hike that!” Finally, I did!

Hiking Kessler Peak, Big Cottonwood Canyon

My favorite view of Mt.Raymond & Gobblers Knob.

 

Check out my video!

Trail Map

My track via Gaia GPS – the best tracking app! Get your app here for a discount.

Recommended Gear

 

Nearby Hike

Hiking Mt.Raymond & Gobblers Knob

Hiking Mt.Raymond & Gobblers Knob

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Hiking Kessler Peak, Big Cottonwood Canyon

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