Hiking Mount Raymond, Utah – Trail Map, Pictures, Descriptions & More

Mount Raymond in Big Cottonwood Canyon just outside Salt Lake City, Utah is a hike with incredible views, a couple routes, and some class 3 scrambling. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know before setting out on your Mount Raymond adventure.

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Trail Map | Trails | Hiking In Winter | Camping | Weather | Directions | Pictures

 

Difficulty –Strenuous
Distance – 7.8 miles round trip (8.88 km)
Height – 10,241 feet (2529.54 m)
Elevation gain – 3,100 feet (732.43 m)
Duration – 3-4 hours (book time)
Trailhead Location – Butler Fork trailhead (7,172 Feet)
Dogs – Not allowed

 

Need To Know Information

• Dogs are not allowed.
• There are a few common routes. The most common is from the Butler Fork Trailhead which is the easiest route, the second most common is from Millcreek Canyon, and the third is from lower in Big Cottonwood Canyon at the Mill B North trailhead. We describe each of these for you below.

Trail Map

Routes

Mount Raymond’s Class 3 scramble:

It is worth noting that all routes to the summit require class 3 scrambling near the end of the hike to reach the summit. The scrambling features solid handholds, but it can be difficult for those that have issues with heights or drop offs. This scramble occurs only minutes before the summit of Mount Raymond. Pictures are below for reference.

 

Mount Raymond Via Butler Fork

Distance – 7.8 miles round trip (12.55 km)
Elevation gain – 3,200 feet (975.36 m)
Duration – 6-8 hours (book time)
Trailhead Location – Butler Fork trailhead (7,172 Feet)

This is the most common route to the summit of Mount Raymond due to the higher elevation starting point, and the fact that the trailhead is located within Big Cottonwood Canyon.

This trail is well traveled, well maintained, and well marked, making it easy or anyone to follow. Hikers follow the signs towards Mount Raymond and Gobblers Knob.

If you are interested in this route, we have created a GPX route of it here.

 

Mount Raymond Via Bowman Fork Trailhead in Mill Creek Canyon

Distance – 9.46 miles round trip (15.22 km)
Elevation gain – 4,270 feet (1301.50 m)
Duration – 8-10 hours (book time)
Trailhead Location – Bowman Fork Trailhead

This is simply another route from Millcreek Canyon (which requires a pass, or a $5 parking fee). This is a common approach for those that want to avoid driving into Big Cottonwood Canyon. It is relatively straightforward, and increases both the mileage and elevation gain.

If you are interested in this route, we have created a GPX route of it here.

 

Mount Raymond Via Mill B North

Distance – 11.9 miles round trip (19.15 km)
Elevation gain – 5,101 feet (1554.79 m)
Duration – 10-12 hours (book time)
Trailhead Location – Mill B North Fork Trailhead

This is not the recommended route to the summit due to substantial increase in length and elevation gain. That being said, this route combines some incredibly stunning scenery. We believe this is the most scenic route. It too is simple to follow as the trails are well traveled and well marked. If you want to lengthen your day and make this hike even more difficult, we highly recommend it. You’ll come across far fewer people after a couple miles in the trail.

If you are interested in this route, we have created a GPX route of it here.

 

Hiking in Winter

This is prone to avalanche conditions in winter and should only be done by those who are aware of current avalanche conditions, and are prepared for winter hiking. This is a common backcountry skiing zone, but because of the avalanche dangers, this zone should only be done by those with experience in avalanche terrain. You can read the current avalanche forecasts on the Utah Avalanche Center website.

 

Camping Information

Backcountry camping is allowed in Big Cottonwood canyon pending you are on Forest Service property. Camping must be at least 1/2 mile off of any road, and 200 feet from any trails, water, or developed areas.

If approaching from Millcreek, you can backcountry camp. More information can be found here.

 

Weather

Here is a detailed weather forecast for the area:

Holladay, UT

This Afternoon
Snow. Mostly cloudy. High near 21, with temperatures falling to around 15 in the afternoon. Wind chill values as low as 2. West wind around 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 5 to 9 inches possible.

Tonight
Snow before 11pm, then snow and patchy blowing snow. Cloudy. Low around 14, with temperatures rising to around 16 overnight. Wind chill values as low as 0. West wind 12 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 8 to 12 inches possible.

Saturday
A chance of snow before 11am, then snow and areas of blowing snow. Cloudy. High near 24, with temperatures falling to around 21 in the afternoon. Wind chill values as low as -2. West wind 13 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 6 to 10 inches possible.

Saturday Night
Snow and areas of blowing snow. Cloudy, with a low around 20. Wind chill values as low as 7. West southwest wind 18 to 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 10 to 14 inches possible.

Sunday
Snow and areas of blowing snow. Cloudy, with a high near 27. West southwest wind 10 to 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.

Sunday Night
Snow before 5am. Cloudy, with a low around 26. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Monday
Partly sunny, with a high near 29.

 

Directions

To Big Cottonwood Canyon Trailhead at Butler Fork Trailhead

To Millcreek Canyon Trailhead at Bowman Fork Trailhead

To Big Cottonwood Canyon Trailhead at Mill B North Trailhead

 

Additional Pictures