Difficulty: Most Difficult ♦︎
Length: 9 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 3,200 feet
Dog Friendly: No
Trailhead coordinates (copy + paste): 40.6493, -111.6618
Directions: Park in the small Butler Fork trailhead lot on the North side of Big Cottonwood Canyon Road. Hike up the Butler Fork Trail for about 0.5 miles, then turn left at the first fork onto Mill A Basin Trail. At the second fork, keep right on the same trail. At the third fork, about 1.5 miles in, take a left onto Desolation Trail and continue all the way to the ridge. Turn left at the ridge for Mount Raymond and continue all the way to the top.
Standing at 10,241 feet, Mount Raymond is a highly underrated peak with minimal traffic. The trail gains a lot of elevation but is shaded, marked, and easy to follow to the ridge. The trees fall away at the ridge, leaving you exposed as you make your way to the summit. The journey up the ridge starts out steep before turning into a scramble— the best option is to stay on the ridge line. There is a trail most of the way, aside from a few rocky areas. One rock slab requires a minor climb at a low angle. This point isn't very exposed and is easier than it looks, I had no trouble doing it alone. From the summit, take in views of surrounding peaks and Salt Lake City. This hike lends itself well to a two-for-one, so if you have time, head up Gobbler's Knob next. To reach it, turn right at the ridge rather than left, and follow that less-technical trail for about a mile to bag your second peak of the day. Note: no pups on this one, dogs are not allowed in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
