In unusual fashion, we started our hike up to Gobblers Knob at 2PM on an afternoon that was slated for a rainy forecast. We obviously prepared for the rain with rain jackets for the humans. The peak, Gobblers Knob, is accessible from Big Cotton Wood Canyon and from Mill Creek Canyon. For obvious reasons (dogs), we started in Mill Creek Canyon. This hike is listed as HARD on All Trails with 8.3 miles of distance and 3,440 feet of elevation gain. We tracked the hike at closer to 9.4 miles total distance and it took us just under 6 hours to complete.
Alexander Basin to Gobblers Knob via Bowmans Fork
The Alexander Basin trail head is where the hike to Gobblers Knob begins in Mill Creek Canyon. You can complete the hike a few different ways:
- an out a back up the Alexander Basin Trail
- a loop via Bowman’s Fork (either counterclockwise or clockwise)
We opted for the loop option, working counterclockwise. This direction is not as steep as the clockwise/out-and-back (more direct) route to the peak. It has the added bonus of doing the most distance before the summit.
The trail begins with a steep incline, then mellows out when you take the right at the fork in the trail toward Bowmans Fork. The counterclockwise route takes you along the face of the mountain looking down into Mill Creek Canyon and is fairly exposed. You pass through a few aspen groves as you get to Bakers Pass. This section of the trail would be gorgeous in the fall.
Just after Bakers Pass you can see Gobblers Knob at the top of the slope. This is a gorgeous section of trail with amazing wildflowers during peek season. Sadly we missed that by about two weeks, but there were some remnants. This was also the location of the deadly avalanche from the 2020-2021 winter season.
At the saddle and the rest of the way to the summit there is a great view into Big Cottonwood Canyon and of Mount Raymond. Because of the storms moving into the area the saddle was extremely windy. The next mile of the hike was the most brutal, at least for me. There is a false summit, and you gain nearly 1,000 feet of elevation. The summit of Gobblers Knob was very worth the efforts!
Unfortunately because of the storms moving in we rushed off the summit to begin the STEEP climb down. We managed to get off the rockiest and steepest section of the trail before the rain started. But the last two miles of the hike we had to don our rain coats. To say the dogs were pissed is an understatement. They ran from tree to tree with the most miserable looks on their faces. We essentially jogged down the last two miles of trail to get out of the rain and called it good. Everyone got a warm shower when we got home!
Before you go
The Alexander Basin trailhead is past the winter gate in Mill Creek Canyon, however many people hike, snowshoe, and ski the road to this trailhead to access backcountry areas in the winter season. The winter gate in Mill Creek Canyon opens July 1st each year, and doesn’t historically open early regardless of the weather leading up to July.
Mill Creek Canyon does charge a fee per vehicle. It is just $5 and they do offer a year pass as well! You pay on your way out of the canyon. This trail head parking area is limited, just a small lot on the side of the canyon road.
A huge plus to this canyon as well is they allow dogs off-leash on ODD days. So for example: 2/13, 2/15, etc. you can have your dog off-leash. EVEN days the trails require dogs on leash, and they allow mountain biking on these day as well. Another convenient benefit is toilets at each trailhead. The canyon has TONS of hiking options year-round, and even more during the summer and fall seasons when the winter gate is open! If you drive to the winter gate during the winter, they groom the road for cross country skiing and snow shoeing! The options are endless in Mill Creek Canyon.
Enjoying all of Winter and my adventures? Check out more hiking and trips we have taken on our archives page! More hikes in Mill Creek Canyon and across Utah are also featured here!