Crazy Hiker Chick: 2015-08-02

Gobblers Knob (10,246) is the highest peak on the ridge between Big Cottonwood Canyon to the south and Millcreek Canyon to the north. What a silly name for a mountain peak! I found that Gobblers Knob got it's name from the noise made by a flock of turkeys that were once kept by miners living in the area. Silly name but a serious peak to conquer. The Japanese are fond of saying "There is more than one path to the top of Mount Fuji" and so it is with Gobblers Knob - at least four different paths/trails. You can climb Gobblers Knob from dog friendly Millcreek Canyon via Alexander Basin (shortest route, but also the steepest) and from the Bowman Fork trail (longest route but still really steep). Or you have the Big Cottonwood Canyon options via Mill B North Fork (really, really long distance, but still steep) and the Butler Fork trail (reasonable distance and not quite as steep as the other routes). All routes have an elevation gain of over 3000 feet and all four trails converge at Baker Pass (9,320). We choose the Butler Fork trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The Butler Fork trailhead is found about 8.2 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon on the north side of the road. The trail is covered with abundant plant life. It's a jungle at times!!

The Butler Fork trail makes a substantial climb right away up a steep sided gulch. After 1/2 mile you will come to a junction with the trail to Dog Lake to the right. Continue forward into Mill A Basin and soon the trail begins to switchback up through an aspen covered slope to a distinct ridge crest. At 1 1/2 miles into the hike you will reach the faint trail to the left for Circle All Peak (8707). If you are short on time Circle All Peak makes a great destination and a hike of just over 3 miles roundtrip. Our trail heads to the right along the ridge and soon you will come to another junction which is the Desolation trail. Choose the trail to the left. As you cross Mill A Basin the elevation gain is less making a nice stroll all the way to Bakers Pass. At Bakers Pass your options become Mount Raymond to the west at 10,241 or Gobblers Knob to the east 10,246. We will be back to climb Mount Raymond next year.

Wildflowers at Bakers Pass

On to Gobblers Knob. The frustrating thing about Gobblers Knob is there are several false summits that trick you into thinking you have reached your destination. Just keep trekking, you will get to the summit eventually.