Circle All Peak Snowshoe

Circle All Peak is easily one of the best vantage points in all of the Wasatch Mountains. Views up and down Big Cottonwood Canyon as well as front row seats to Kessler Peak, Mount Raymond, and Gobblers Knob await. The hike is fairly steep right out the gate as it leaves from the Butler Fork Trailhead, but you reach the peak in less than 2 miles, so it's really not bad. Aspen groves line the majority of the trail with huge pine trees near the trailhead.

After you come out from the heavily wooded first third of the trail, the terrain opens up and begins to give you some wide open spaces. There are large peaks and rolling hills on all sides, and you make your final ascent in a smaller gully within the aspen. The route begins by heading north, turns northwest for the second third, and then turns due west on the final ascent (just in case you did not see tracks to follow). Once atop the saddle, you can head left (south) to Circle All Peak; going north would take you to Gobblers and Raymond. After heading up the final knob to summit Circle All Peak, the sights really take shape. It's easy to understand the source of the peak's name as you enjoy 360-degree views of a dozen peaks near and far.

There are a ton of amazing backcountry runs to be had up here on touring equipment, but there have been multiple fatalities over the years, so make sure your skill level warrants trying these spots out. Butler Fork Trailhead is known as a high-risk access point to Circle All Peak, Mount Raymond, Gobblers Knob, Dog Lake and Lake Desolation. The snow here piles up pretty heavily, and the beginning of the trail is one long terrain trap. Make sure you have the proper gear and training, and only go on low danger days. Keep an eye out for moose and porcupine that frequent the area. Bears have been spotted here in summer and while they hibernate in the dead of winter, so you might want to keep this in mind for the spring. Check the Utah Avalanche Center before heading here and avoid mid-to-high danger days.