Temple Couloir

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

This is an obvious, must-do line down a very aesthetically pleasing couloir off the north shoulder of Deseret Peak. It's narrower than either of the twin couloirs, but still plenty wide for those that need a bit more room and time to make a jump turn. The surrounding rock walls are high and crumbly. Rock fall is not uncommon in the spring as the snow and ice melts. A helmet is a good idea.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but a fee is required if you use the campground facilities at the Loop Campground, but I don't think a fee is required if you're there just to do the hike.

Entering the main drainage below Deseret Peak, the first thing you see isn't the Deseret Peak Twin Couloirs, it's the Temple Couloir. It looms overhead, taunting you to ski it. And ski it, you-will!

Starting at the Loop Campground, make your way up the trail heading southwest. At the fork, head right. Of course, if there's lots of snow, you won't see the trail, so just make sure you head into the correct drainage leading to the basin below Deseret Peak. If you choose the wrong basin, you can still course-correct by climbing up and over a low saddle that dumps you just below the Twin Couloirs, but that is quite out of the way unless you plan to ski those, too.

Once the Temple Couloir comes into view, just head straight for it. Once on the apron, skin switchbacks up as far as you can, then switch to booting it when it makes sense for you to do so. I prefer to begin booting before it gets too steep to easily make the transition.

The steepness of the couloir isn't too scary until just before the top. That is definitely the crux, both for the ascent and the descent. On the descent, if you can make the first turn into the couloir, collect yourself, and then manage the next few turns without blowing it, you're golden. Enjoy the ride to the bottom. For the hike up, boot crampons and ice axe are recommended.

Note that after topping out, you might consider tagging Deseret Peak since you're almost there.If there's enough snow, you can ski down from the peak and then into the couloir to make your run even longer and more fulfilling.

Keep an eye on the temperature. The snow can heat up quickly and destabilize if your timing is off. Hazardous as well is skiing it before the sun can soften it a bit. It's a tricky game.