| Butler Fork | |
|---|---|
| Trailhead | Butler Fork Trailhead |
| Location | 40.6540° / -111.6640° |
| Online Map | View on wbskiing.com |
Butler Fork offers access to good intermediate and advanced terrain including Mount Raymond (which is in Mill A Gulch), Circle All Peak (and the Butler Trees), and Gobblers Knob. You can also access terrain in Porter Fork and Alexander Basin (which are in Mill Creek Canyon) from Butler Fork.
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| Butler Fork Trailhead | |
|---|---|
| Trailhead Elevation | 7,140' |
| Trailhead Location | 40.6493° / -111.6618° |
| Road Mileage | 8.0 miles |
| Online Map | View on wbskiing.com |
The Butler Fork trailhead is on the north (left) side of the Big Cottonwood road approximately 8 miles past the digital sign. There is a relatively large parking area which is appropriate, because a large number of people ski Butler Fork.
The Butler Fork trail begins on the left side of the creek but immediately crosses and continues along the right bank. The first 10 minutes are exposed to a steep (40°+) west-facing slope. Likewise, the East Fork of Butler contains a couple of benign-looking gullies (e.g., Scary Gully) that can deposit significant avalanche debris.
Although most of the terrain in lower Butler Fork is 30° or less, a few slopes increase dramatically as they become gullies near the bottom of the drainages. Keep an eye out (inside joke) for these terrain traps and practice safe one-at-a-time travel.
Approximately 20 minutes after leaving the Butler Fork trailhead, the Butler Fork trail splits (sometimes only the more popular left branch is visible). The right (east) branch goes up East Butler Fork toward Butler Basin and Dog Lake. The left (west) branch heads up West Butler Fork toward Circle All and the West Butler Saddle. The trail sign shown here is located where the trail splits, although hopefully it will be buried when you arrive.
About the name
Butler Fork is named after Neri Butler who build a mill "some distance up its confines in 1880."
Beginner terrain
that is good as you develop your backcountry skills and when the avalanche danger is higher. Click for details.
Intermediate
terrain that requires more experience in skinning and skiing. Click for details.
Advanced terrain
that requires strong skiing and skinning skills. Click for details.
Expert terrain that is
challenging and a small mistake can have serious consequences. Click for details.
Extreme terrain
that includes insanely difficult chute skiing and beyond. Click for details.
The difficulty of this terrain
varies widely. Click for details.
This terrain hasn't
been rated. Click for details.
