Wasatch Alpine Traverses

Explore the Wasatch in its most breathtaking season

Full Day – 8 Hours Group: 1–3 standard (contact us for custom groups) From $200 per Person

Note: Benegas Brothers Expeditions strives to provide the highest quality logistics, giving you the best climbing experience possible. For this expedition, we are working through our partner, Wasatch Mountain Guides.

The Wasatch Mountains are best known for legendary powder skiing, but in summer and fall these rugged peaks transform into an alpine paradise. Our Wasatch Alpine Traverses are designed to showcase the range at its most spectacular: high ridgelines, airy scrambles, wildflower basins, and sweeping views that stretch from the Great Salt Lake to the Uinta Mountains.

Every trip is private, fully customized, and offered in two distinct formats — choose the one that fits your goals and fitness level. Both are operated by Wasatch Mountain Guides, co-owned by IFMGA-certified guide Willie Benegas.

Option 1: Alpine Scramble Traverse

For hikers and mountaineers ready to link iconic Wasatch summits in one big day. Traverse ridgelines such as Mount Superior to Monte Cristo, or tackle the rugged summits of Dromedary and the Twin Peaks. Expect hands-on scrambling (3rd–4th class), exposed ridgelines, and rope protection where needed. Vertical: 2,000–5,000+ ft. Distance: 6–15 miles.

Who it’s for: Strong hikers or aspiring alpinists who are comfortable with exposure and long days in the mountains, looking for a guided objective that blends hiking and climbing.

Option 2: Trail Running Traverse

For runners who want to push their endurance in a high-alpine environment. Classic options include sections of the Wasatch Crest, Superior Ridge, or custom point-to-point linkups — covering flowy singletrack, rugged ridges, and big vertical gain, customized to your pace and goals. This program is supervised by Erik Fullmer, an experienced mountain runner and co-owner of Wasatch Mountain Guides.

Who it’s for: Intermediate to advanced trail runners comfortable with long mountain runs of 10–20 miles and 2,000–5,000+ ft of vertical, looking for a guided mountain challenge with technical terrain.

About the Guides

All Wasatch programs are operated by Wasatch Mountain Guides (WMG) — one of Utah’s most trusted guide services, co-owned by IFMGA-certified Mountain Guide Willie Benegas. Willie brings over 30 years of high-level guiding experience across the Wasatch, the Alaska Range, the Andes, and the Himalaya. Every day in the field is led by AMGA-trained and certified guides who know these mountains in every season and condition.

Option 1: Alpine Scramble Traverse

For hikers and mountaineers ready to link iconic Wasatch summits in one big day. Traverse ridgelines such as Mount Superior to Monte Cristo, or tackle the rugged summits of Dromedary and the Twin Peaks. Expect hands-on scrambling (3rd–4th class), exposed ridgelines, and rope protection where needed.
Who It’s For

Strong hikers or aspiring alpinists
Comfortable with exposure and long days in the mountains
Looking for a guided alpine objective that blends hiking and climbing

Gear

Approach shoes or lightweight boots
Helmet (provided if needed)
Harness & light climbing kit (provided if required)
Day pack, food, water, layers

Option 2: Trail Running Traverse

For runners who want to push their endurance in a high-alpine environment. These traverses cover flowy singletrack, rugged ridges, and big vertical gain—customized to your pace and goals. Classic options include sections of the Wasatch Crest, Superior Ridge, or custom point-to-point linkups.
This program is supervised by Erik Fullmer, an experienced mountain runner and co-owner of Wasatch Mountain Guides, ensuring routes are tailored for trail running safety, pacing, and efficiency.
Who It’s For

Intermediate to advanced trail runners
Comfortable with long mountain runs (10–20 miles, 2,000–5,000+ ft vert)
Looking for a guided mountain challenge with technical terrain

Gear

Trail running shoes
Hydration vest/pack
Light layers, food, water

Duration: 6–10 hours (flexible)

Meeting Time: 7:00 AM (flexible)

Meeting Location: Cottonwood Canyon Park & Ride or confirmed trailhead

Season: June – October

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard (tailored to ability)

Vertical: 2,000–5,000+ ft

Distance: 6–15 miles (customizable)

Group Size: 1–3 standard — contact us for custom groups

Minimum Age: 14+ (under 18 with parent)

Scramble Gear: Approach shoes or lightweight boots · helmet provided if needed · harness and light climbing kit provided if required

Running Gear: Trail running shoes · hydration vest · light layers · food and water

Alpine Scramble

Strong hikers and aspiring alpinists ready for 6–10 hours with 2,000–5,000+ ft of gain. Comfortable with exposure and hands-on scrambling (3rd–4th class). No technical climbing experience required, but comfort on exposed terrain is essential.

Trail Running Traverse

Intermediate to advanced trail runners used to long mountain outings — 10–20 miles with significant vertical is the benchmark. Supervised by Erik Fullmer with routes specifically tailored for trail running pacing and safety.

Weather

Afternoon thunderstorms are the primary hazard in summer in the Wasatch. Early starts keep the team off exposed ridges before convective weather builds. Your guide monitors the forecast and will adapt the route or reschedule if conditions threaten. Lightning on a ridgeline is not negotiable — safety always comes first.

Do I need climbing experience?

Not necessarily. Many alpine traverses are scrambles (3rd–4th class) where ropes may be used for security on short sections. No technical lead climbing experience is required.

Can I bring my teenager?

Yes. Ages 12–16 may join with a parent present. The scramble traverse is appropriate for fit, confident teenagers comfortable with exposure.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Your guide will adapt the route or reschedule — safety always comes first. Afternoon thunderstorms are the primary concern in summer. Early starts minimize exposure to changing conditions.

Can the route be customized to my goals?

Yes — that is the entire premise of these programs. Every trip is private and fully customized. Share your goals, fitness level, and experience when you book, and your guide builds the day around you.

What is the cancellation policy?

Deposits non-refundable. 121+ days: 75%; 90–120 days: 50%; 60–89 days: 25%; 59 days or less: no refund. All cancellations in writing.

Rates — Full Day

1 person: $450 · 2 people: $250 each · 3 people: $200 each

Custom groups of 4+: contact us for a quote.

Included

Professional AMGA/IFMGA-certified guide
Helmet and light climbing kit provided where required (scramble traverse)
Route customized to your group’s goals and fitness
Daily weather and safety assessment

Not Included

Transportation to/from trailhead
Food and water
Personal shoes, clothing, and daypack
Guide gratuities (customary: $50–$100/day)

Note: Wasatch Alpine Traverses are operated by Wasatch Mountain Guides. Clients make payment directly to WMG and sign the WMG release form prior to the trip. BBE acts as the sales and marketing partner for this program.

Getting Here

All Wasatch programs meet in Salt Lake City, Utah. The drive from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to the mouths of Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons is approximately 30 minutes. From downtown Salt Lake City, allow 20–25 minutes.

Most programs meet at the Park & Ride lots at the mouths of Big or Little Cottonwood Canyon, or directly at resort accommodations in the canyons. Your guide confirms the exact meeting location prior to your program date.

Canyon parking: most lots in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyon require a paid parking permit or UTA Canyon Service bus pass during winter weekends — check current restrictions at udot.utah.gov. Riding the free UTA Canyon Shuttle from the Park & Ride is the simplest option when canyons are busy.

Cancellation Policy

Deposits are non-refundable. Remaining balance refund schedule: 121+ days: 75% refund; 90–120 days: 50%; 60–89 days: 25%; 59 days or less: no refund. All cancellations must be submitted in writing.

Insurance

Rescue and activity insurance is recommended for all Wasatch programs. We recommend Spot Insurance (spotinsurance.com) for activity-specific daily coverage — available to purchase at the time of booking for a fraction of the cost. For full travel insurance details, see the BBE Travel & Rescue Insurance page.

The Wasatch in Its Best Season?

High ridgelines, airy scrambles, wildflower basins, and views from the Great Salt Lake to the Uinta Mountains. Two ways to experience it — both exceptional.

Book Trip

Group:

1–3 standard (contact us for custom groups)

Duration:

Full Day – 8 Hours

Skill:

Moderate to Hard (tailored to ability)

Dates:

June – October