Hiking in the Wasatch
06.10.08 by Kendall CardOne of the more popular and enjoyable summertime activities in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah is hiking. Just in the tri-canyons area of Little Cottonwood, Big Cottonwood and Mill Creek Canyons there are well over 50 different trails to be explored.
Ranging from the more strenuous hikes like summiting Mount Superior or Mount Olympus to the ever popular Dog Lake Trail in Big Cottonwood there are all sorts of vistas to be had as well as adventures to find. Amazingly, you can feel like you’re so far away from it all when you’re only miles from the city. It’s a unique feeling that only Salt Lake can provide.
One of my favorite times to hike is when the wildflowers are out in Albion Basin area above Alta Ski Resort where the trail meets with Catherine’s Pass. This area is often frequented by moose and the flowers can be amazing.
The typical time to catch the flowers starting to bloom is mid July and into August. This year may not see flowers at that elevation until well into August given the current snowpack.
Evidence:
So what to do in the meantime? Right now the following trails are just a few that are dry and ready to go:
- Temple Quarry Trail in Little Cottonwood Canyon
- City Creek Trails
- Lower Lisa Falls in Little Cottonwood Canyon
- Lower section of Mount Olympus
- Lower section of Grandeur Peak
Look for us to update trail openings as the Utah Vacation Homes employees get out and hike in the Wasatch Mountains this summer.
Another area that is pretty much clear of snow is Neff’s Canyon. I hiked up one of the drainages 2 weeks ago and made it several miles before running into snow. Had there not been snow I wouldn’t have made it much further as the terrain got pretty steep. My understanding is that the main trail is clear as well.
Neff’s Canyon is a great place to hike with dogs. It’s one of the few canyons in the area that dogs are allowed. Mill Creek Canyon allows dogs as well, but leash laws apply in both places. On even days dogs must be on leash at all times.
Another favorite that probably won’t be “hikable” for several weeks is Lake Blanche in Big Cottonwood Canyon. It is a really popular hike so when it is dry and ready to hike plan on getting there early. The views are amazing!
06.11.08 at 10:22 amMill Creek Canyon is one of my favorie spots. I’m usually following a 3 year old up the trail, so the term “hike” might not really apply. We usually pack a dinner or get KFC and head up the short canyon after work. It’s amazing that we can grab the family and food, leave the city, and be sitting by a mountain stream in just about 10 minutes. The park benches, lavatories, and running water at Church Fork (3.05 miles up) helps with the kiddies. When leaving the canyon, a $2.25 parks fee feels shamefully cheap when compared to the restorative powers that Mill Creek Canyon provides. Check out the stats at http://www.fs.fed.us/r4/wcnf/unit/slrd/recreation/picnicking/mill_creek_picnic.shtml .
06.11.08 at 10:26 amHi Friends! Thanks for sharing your hiking secrets. I’ll come out of the closet with mine since you’re all sharing. Last week I was able to go explore the amazingly beautiful American Fork Canyon again. That is my favorite summertime area for hiking and mountain biking. There is a great fishing lake for kids at the Tibble Fork parking area. The Aspen trees are great in the canyon. You can even ATV on a number of 4×4 roads which will have you cruising past more lakes as you ascend in altitude. Lots of tall pines and some great views when you get up high. Also many great places to camp all over this canyon.
I hope you are all doing fantastic and I miss you all.
Rick
06.12.08 at 12:53 pmThanks for all the comments and suggestions!
@ Robyn – I agree, Lake Blanche is an awesome hike.
06.12.08 at 6:59 pm