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
Sunny. High near 34, with temperatures falling to around 29 in the afternoon. Northeast wind around 2 mph.

Tonight
Mostly clear. Low around 23, with temperatures rising to around 25 overnight. Northeast wind around 2 mph.

Monday
Mostly sunny. High near 37, with temperatures falling to around 31 in the afternoon. Northeast wind around 2 mph.

Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 24. East wind around 2 mph.

Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 36. Northwest wind around 2 mph.

Tuesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 22.

Wednesday
Sunny, with a high near 34.

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

Views along the Mill B North trail

Gobbler’s Knob as seen from the summit of Mount Raymond

Views of Gobbler’s Knob on the ridge towards Mount Raymond

Views of Salt Lake City from Mount Raymond summit