Point 10420, at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon near Guardsman Pass, is the closest mountain you can backcountry ski from Brighton that isn’t lift assisted. A pleasant ridgeline skin takes you to the summit, where several descent options can be found on all aspects. Thick evergreen forests called Promise Land fall from the northwest face, open bowls can be skied on the northeast aspect, and glade skiing southwest of the summit takes skiers into Hidden Canyon.
To ski Point 10420, park at the Guardsman Pass winter closure. A plowed parking area offers a few spots to leave your car, but get there early because this trailhead fills up fast.
After gearing up, skin past the closure gate to the base of Brighton Hill – the evergreen forest on the right side of the snow-covered road. Skin up through the trees and follow the ridge. In about a mile, you’ll reach a landmark called the Picnic Tree. This massive, fallen trunk makes a good seat for a break and is also the start of a north-facing tree shot called Lane’s Leap (named as such because Lane was killed in an avalanche here in 1994.)
Stay on the ridgeline and continue up. The terrain begins to get steeper as you near the top. At 10,370 feet, you’ll reach a false summit. From here, ski the northwest-facing evergreens (Promise Land), which offers either thick or well-spaced tree skiing and protected powder. The run spits you out at Guardsman Pass Road which you can skate-ski back to the trailhead.
From the false summit, you can also ski the Sunny Glades to the south, which takes you into Hidden Canyon adjacent to Brighton Resort.
To bag the true top of Point 10420, traverse a small saddle east to the main summit, marked by an arch built with flat stones. The biggest lines start here, such as the Northeast Bowl: a descent that takes you to the east side of Guardsman Pass in Bonanza Flats. Skin west to the pass for a return to the trailhead, or skin back to the summit for another run.
Point 10420 is an excellent place to tour if you’re looking for a mellow climb and a variety of descent options.
For a more detailed description, route map, and driving directions on this tour, and 98 more, purchase my guide book Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Routes: Utah available from Mountaineers Books.