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📅 Sunday, June 14 | ⏰ 5:30 AM | 📍 Cardiff Fork Trailhead, Big Cottonwood Canyon
🥾 Hard | 6.7 miles | 3,083 ft elevation gain | Out & Back
This one's for the climbers.
Kesler Peak is a steep, unmaintained trail that earns every inch of elevation and rewards you with sweeping views of Big Cottonwood Canyon that make it all worth it. We'll start at the crack of dawn to beat the heat and the crowds, moving through forest and wildflower terrain before breaking out onto the ridge.
Expect a relentless climb, rocky terrain, and a summit that absolutely delivers.
What to Expect:
Steep, consistent elevation gain from the Cardiff Fork trailhead
Unmaintained trail — route-finding skills helpful
Rocky and rooty sections throughout
A section hikers call "God's Lawnmower" … it's exactly what it sounds like 😅
Panoramic summit views of the canyon and surrounding peaks
Wildlife sightings are common (moose have been spotted on this trail!)
Good to Know:
Dogs are not allowed in the Big Cottonwood Canyon watershed
Parking fee required at the Cardiff trailhead (USFS Recreation Fee Area)
Trekking poles strongly recommended
No swimming in the watershed
This hike is best suited for experienced hikers who are comfortable with sustained steep terrain and some route-finding on an unmaintained trail. If you've been building toward a challenge, this is it.
All RSVPs through the GGH website. Spots are capped at 10, register early.
📅 Sunday, June 14 | ⏰ 5:30 AM | 📍 Cardiff Fork Trailhead, Big Cottonwood Canyon
🥾 Hard | 6.7 miles | 3,083 ft elevation gain | Out & Back
This one's for the climbers.
Kesler Peak is a steep, unmaintained trail that earns every inch of elevation and rewards you with sweeping views of Big Cottonwood Canyon that make it all worth it. We'll start at the crack of dawn to beat the heat and the crowds, moving through forest and wildflower terrain before breaking out onto the ridge.
Expect a relentless climb, rocky terrain, and a summit that absolutely delivers.
What to Expect:
Steep, consistent elevation gain from the Cardiff Fork trailhead
Unmaintained trail — route-finding skills helpful
Rocky and rooty sections throughout
A section hikers call "God's Lawnmower" … it's exactly what it sounds like 😅
Panoramic summit views of the canyon and surrounding peaks
Wildlife sightings are common (moose have been spotted on this trail!)
Good to Know:
Dogs are not allowed in the Big Cottonwood Canyon watershed
Parking fee required at the Cardiff trailhead (USFS Recreation Fee Area)
Trekking poles strongly recommended
No swimming in the watershed
This hike is best suited for experienced hikers who are comfortable with sustained steep terrain and some route-finding on an unmaintained trail. If you've been building toward a challenge, this is it.
All RSVPs through the GGH website. Spots are capped at 10, register early.