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One of the ultra-classics of the Wasatch!


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Map Key

4.0

Miles

6.5

KM

43%

Runnable

11,229' 3,423 m

High

8,226' 2,507 m

Low

3,511' 1,070 m

Up

2,960' 902 m

Down

31%

Avg Grade (17°)

88%

Max Grade (41°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Fall Colors · Lake · Views · Wildflowers

Description

This is an exposed ridge scramble that visits three prominent peaks on the ridgeline dividing the Big and Little Cottonwood canyons. It is a fantastic outing!

After running up the Broads Fork Trail #055, look for the split where one part of the trail continues deeper into the fork while the other heads over to Bonkers, a well-known slide-path. The run up Bonkers is quite steep, but manageable. Continue up until you reach the saddle at the top of Stairs Gulch.

From here, gain the ridge north of the east summit of Twin Peaks, and run the ridge to that summit. After visiting the west summit too, continue south along the ridge, but quickly drop off of it on the west side into a small couloir, then regain the ridge lower down. This circumvents some 5th-class down-climbing on the ridge. Shortly after regaining the ridge, you'll find yourself on the saddle between Twin Peaks and Sunrise Peak (sometimes called O'Sullivan Peak.)

The trail from here to Sunrise Peak is the hardest of the entire route. Look around to find the path of least resistance and minimal risk. Once on top of Sunrise Peak, make your way east to the saddle between it and Dromedary Peak. This is also the top of Tanners Gulch, another well-known slide-path. Now drop off of Dromedary along the east ridge. (You can also drop off the north ridge, but it is a much harder descent.)

Make your way carefully into Lake Blanche fork. This part of the route is made difficult and a bit monotonous by a seemingly endless boulder field. With persistence, you'll eventually find your way to Lake Lillian and link up with the Lake Blanche Trail.

Note that the Lake Blanche Fork and Broads Fork trails share the same trail-head, so you can easily make a big loop of this run.

Contacts

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Trail Ratings

  4.2 from 5 votes

#10041

Overall
  4.2 from 5 votes
5 Star
60%
4 Star
20%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
20%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#335

in Utah

#10,041

Overall
11 Views Last Month
5,343 Since Aug 6, 2018
Very Difficult Very Difficult

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Photos

A view across Little Cottonwood Canyon, looking up Hogum Fork to the ridge near Lone Peak and the Pfeifferhorn. It's hard not to feel small when peeking at the shoulders of these giants!
Nov 5, 2015 near Alta, UT
Dropping off Dromedary and looking back at Sunrise and the Twins.
Aug 31, 2020 near Alta, UT
A killer view looking up Broads Fork at O'Sullivan Peak.
Nov 5, 2015 near Cottonw…, UT
Just before the log crossing, heading up Broad's Fork
Jul 14, 2019 near Cottonw…, UT
A view up Hogum Fork and Maybird Gulch, as well as a view of the Pfeifferhorn.
Nov 5, 2015 near Alta, UT
A view back to O'Sullivan (Sunrise) Peak and the ridge between the same peak and Twin Peaks.
Nov 5, 2015 near Alta, UT

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