Quick Facts:

Location: Mount Olympus Wilderness near Salt Lake City, Utah

Coordinates: 40.649669772947846, -111.66188082945013

Length: 7.5 Miles

Difficulty: Hard

Elevation Gain: 3,100 Feet

Dog Friendly: No

Introduction:

Gobblers Knob, located in the Mount Olympus Wilderness near Salt Lake City, Utah, is a challenging and rewarding hike that offers breathtaking views and a true sense of accomplishment. Standing at 10,246 feet, Gobblers Knob is one of the highest peaks in the Wasatch Range, providing hikers with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, valleys, and even the Salt Lake Valley far below. Whether you’re an experienced hiker looking for a new challenge or someone eager to experience the beauty of Utah’s wilderness, Gobblers Knob is a must-do adventure.

How to Get There:

There are two primary routes to reach Gobblers Knob: via Butler Fork in Big Cottonwood Canyon or via the Alexander Basin Trail in Mill Creek Canyon.

• Butler Fork Route: To reach the Butler Fork Trailhead, take I-215 to the 6200 South/Canyon Exit (Exit 6) and head east on UT-190 (Big Cottonwood Canyon Road). Drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon for about 4.5 miles, and you’ll find the Butler Fork Trailhead on the left side of the road. This is a popular starting point and provides a slightly longer but more gradual ascent to Gobblers Knob.
• Alexander Basin Route: For the more direct but steeper route, head to Mill Creek Canyon. Take I-215 to Exit 3 (3900 South/Wasatch Boulevard) and head east on 3800 South, which becomes Mill Creek Canyon Road. Continue driving up Mill Creek Canyon for about 6.5 miles, and the Alexander Basin Trailhead will be on your left. This route is shorter but much steeper, providing a quicker, more intense climb.

Parking Information:

Parking is available at both the Butler Fork and Alexander Basin trailheads, though spaces are limited, especially on weekends and during peak hiking season. Arriving early in the morning is recommended to secure a spot and enjoy a quieter trail. There are no fees for parking, but be aware that Mill Creek Canyon has a $5 fee per vehicle upon exiting the canyon. Restrooms are available at some of the larger trailheads along Big Cottonwood Canyon, but not at Butler Fork or Alexander Basin, so plan accordingly.

Description of the Landscape:

The hike to Gobblers Knob offers hikers a journey through some of the most stunning and varied landscapes in the Mount Olympus Wilderness.

• Butler Fork Route: Starting from Butler Fork, the trail ascends through a beautiful forest of aspen and pine, offering shade and a peaceful atmosphere. As you climb, the trail opens up to expansive meadows filled with wildflowers in the summer and vibrant fall colors in autumn. The final ascent to the summit involves a steep climb along the ridge, offering increasingly dramatic views with each step.
• Alexander Basin Route: The Alexander Basin Trail is more direct and steeper, taking hikers through a rugged, narrow basin surrounded by towering cliffs. The trail is lined with dense vegetation, including ferns and wildflowers, before it opens up to a rocky, exposed ridge that leads to the summit. The steepness of the trail is rewarded with stunning views of the basin and surrounding peaks.

At the summit of Gobblers Knob, you’ll be treated to 360-degree views of the Wasatch Range, with the Salt Lake Valley to the west and the remote wilderness of the Uintas to the east. On a clear day, the views are nothing short of spectacular, making the effort to reach the top well worth it.

Trail Difficulty and Length:

The hike to Gobblers Knob is challenging, regardless of the route you choose.

• Butler Fork Route: This route is approximately 8 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of about 3,400 feet. The trail is well-marked and less steep than the Alexander Basin route, making it a more gradual but still strenuous ascent.
• Alexander Basin Route: The Alexander Basin route is shorter, about 5 miles round trip, but with a similar elevation gain of 3,200 feet. The steepness of this trail makes it more demanding, but it’s a quicker way to reach the summit.

Both routes require good physical fitness and experience with high-altitude hiking. Most hikers complete the round trip in 5 to 7 hours, depending on their pace and how long they spend at the summit.

Dog-Friendly Information:

Unfortunately, Gobblers Knob is not dog-friendly. As with all trails in Big Cottonwood Canyon, dogs are not allowed to protect the watershed that supplies drinking water to the Salt Lake Valley. If you’re looking to hike with your dog, consider exploring nearby Mill Creek Canyon, where dogs are allowed on most trails. Always check local regulations before heading out to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Local Regulations:

When hiking in the Mount Olympus Wilderness, it’s important to follow local regulations to help preserve this pristine environment. Stay on designated trails to minimize your impact on the fragile alpine ecosystem, and avoid disturbing wildlife. As with all wilderness areas, practice “Leave No Trace” principles by carrying out all trash and respecting the natural surroundings. The summit can be windy and exposed, so be prepared with layers, sun protection, and plenty of water.

Other Trails Nearby:

If you’re looking to explore more of the Mount Olympus Wilderness after summiting Gobblers Knob, there are several other trails nearby that offer a variety of experiences. The Mount Raymond Trail, accessible from the same trailheads, is another challenging hike that offers equally stunning views and can be combined with Gobblers Knob for a longer adventure. The Desolation Trail provides a more leisurely hike with beautiful views of Desolation Lake and the surrounding peaks. For those interested in a less strenuous but scenic hike, the Mill B South Fork Trail offers access to Hidden Falls and the beautiful alpine scenery of the Big Cottonwood Canyon.

Non-Hiking Attractions Nearby:

In addition to hiking, the area around Big Cottonwood Canyon and Salt Lake City offers a variety of attractions for visitors. Silver Lake, located at Brighton Ski Resort, is a family-friendly spot with a boardwalk trail around the lake, perfect for a leisurely stroll. The nearby Donut Falls is a popular destination for families and those looking for a shorter, scenic hike with a unique waterfall. In Salt Lake City, you can explore attractions such as the Utah State Capitol, Temple Square, and the Natural History Museum of Utah for a blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to hike Gobblers Knob is during the summer and early fall when the trail is free of snow, and the weather is generally mild. Summer offers the chance to see wildflowers in full bloom and enjoy clear, sunny skies, while fall provides cooler temperatures and the opportunity to see the changing colors of the leaves. Spring hikes can be beautiful but may involve navigating snow and muddy conditions, particularly at higher elevations. Winter hikes are not recommended due to deep snow and the potential for avalanches, especially in the steep sections of the trail.