As mentioned in an earlier chapter, there are several ways to climb Gobblers Knob (see trail descriptions on pages 42, 49, and 72.) All of these trails eventually meet in Baker Pass, a low saddle 0.8 mile west of the summit that separates Gobblers Knob from its sister peak, Mount Raymond. From the pass there are spur trails leading to each of the two summits. The peaks are only 1.4 miles apart; consequently peak baggers often climb both of them before descending back to the trailhead.
      Another popular option is to leave a shuttle car at one of the trailheads and use a different route for the descent from Baker Pass. For example, you can begin the Gobblers Knob hike at the Butler Fork Trailhead (page 72), which is only 3.9 miles further up Big Cottonwood Canyon, and return on the Mill B North Fork Trail described here. That option is attractive because it makes the hike 1.7 miles shorter with 900 less feet of elevation gain.
      Upon leaving the Mill B North Fork parking lot the path first crosses to the north side of the highway and then climbs up a short flight of stairs before beginning a long northerly assent along the Mill B North Fork. After gaining 170 feet the trail passes a point that is almost directly above Hidden Falls, but the falls cannot easily be seen from the trail. (The bottom of Hidden Falls can be accessed by way of another short trail that enters the narrow canyon near the trailhead.) Beyond the top of the falls the grade lessens somewhat as the Gobblers Knob trail begins following more closely along the creek. Then, 0.5 mile from the trailhead, the path turns east to climb out of Mill B North Fork Canyon.
      After switchbacking out of Mill B North Fork Canyon the Gobblers Knob trail turns south back to the rim of Big Cottonwood Canyon, where you will have an opportunity to take a short side trip to an interesting overlook point. Look for a hiker-made trail that departs on the right side of the main trail 0.5 mile after leaving the bottom of Mill B North Fork Canyon. The spur trail heads for a large outcropping of rock 150 yards south of the main trail, while the main trail turns a short time later from south to east.
      Beyond the overlook turnoff, the trail to Gobblers Knob continues east for 300 yards before turning north to begin a long, slow assent up the ridge that separates Mill B North Fork from Elbow Fork. The climb is relatively mundane for the first 0.8 mile, but as the trail nears the top of the ridge it is forced to meander through a tortuous maze of jagged quartzite and limestone outcroppings that give the trail a certain wild appeal. This area is one of my favorite parts of this hike.
      Finally, 3.2 miles after leaving the trailhead, the trail reaches the top of the ridge and crosses the headwaters of Elbow Fork. A short time later you will see a small sign marking the intersection with the Desolation Trail, and from there the Gobblers Knob trail begins skirting eastward along the top of Maxfield Basin.
      For the next 1.3 miles you will be walking on almost level ground as the path traverses around the long southeast ridge of Mount Raymond. When you reach the eastern side of the ridge and turn north into Mill A Basin you will be treated to spectacular views of Baker Pass and Gobblers Knob. From this perspective you can see the entire 0.8 mile route you will be following from the pass up to the summit.
      Just below the south side of the pass you will come to another junction with the Bowman Fork Trail, where you must turn left for the final 150-foot climb up to the pass. Once in Baker Pass you will see two less distinct trails branching off to the summits of Mount Raymond and Gobblers Knob. Turn right here for the last 0.8 mile to Gobblers Knob. The climb is steep and rocky in places, with an elevation gain of 910 feet, but there are few obstacles to block your progress. Stopping occasionally to catch your breath and enjoy the scenery, you should be on the summit in about 45 minutes.

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