This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2007, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Description: As you enter Butler Fork, you come to a log footbridge; after you cross it, the trail becomes steeper. Make your way over a small exposed rocky area with slight drop-offs. Not difficult, but caution is needed. After the crossing, the trail becomes very steep, but only for a short distance. At 0.38 miles, you reach the top the hill and enter Mount Olympus Wilderness area. The trail smooths out as you cross a footbridge into aspens. You come to a trail junction at 0.5 miles. Take the Mill A Basin Trail to the left. The trail turns west where you cross a small spring and follows near it. You leave the spring quickly and come to a series of switchbacks at 0.86 miles into the hike. The trail stays on the north side of the mountain until a ravine, with views up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Leaving the ravine, the trail goes to the west side and you continue the switchbacks to the ridgeline. As soon as you reach the ridgeline, look for an overgrown trail on the left. It's hidden and easily missed. The trail stays on the ridgeline heading southeast and isn't posted. It's less than 1/8 mile to the peak and not a difficult climb. Sit on the rocky outcrop and take in the view.
Directions: Drive eight miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon Road and park on the left side of the highway. The trail is posted.
Photo, text and graphic by Steve Baker (baker@sltrib.com)
All hikes are listed at http://www.sltrib.com/outdoors