Saturday, January 31, 2015

SNOWBASIN RIDGE SNOWSHOE

God gave us a great Spring day in January.   There were a lot of folks skiing Snowbasin; but Maples trail was not busy at all.   The trail is pack down for snow hiking too.


TRAIL MARKED WITH RIBBONS








MILEAGE: 2 1/2 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: 450'
HIKE TIME:  2 1/2 hours
RATINGS: Moderate
TRAILHEAD: Maples Trailhead is at the bottom of parking lot 2, near section H.
DOGS are allowed on the trail if they are leashed.
DRIVE TIME from Salt Lake is 1 hour.
DIRECTIONS: I-15 north from SLC, pass Lagoon & take US 89 north, take I-84 East, and follow signs to Snowbasin.
RESTROOMS are available in the lodge.
GEAR: Dress in layers, avoid cotton clothing, wear insulated boots, wool socks, bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, and energy snacks.

Saturday, January 17, 2015

NORTH FORK LOOP

What a wonderful day God gave us today.   The Mirror Lake Highway was free today because of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.   The sky was brilliant blue.   The air was crisp and clean.   And the birds were singing.

FOLLOW THE MARKERS
DESCRIPTION:  Park at the North Fork Trailhead in the car parking lot.   The trail begins on the north side of the Mirror Lake Highway.   This is a well maintained trail, with blue markers on trees.  When you come to a log fence, the trail heads west.   If you take the trail to the east you'll end up at a lake.   When you get back to the highway, cross the road, cut over to the cross country ski trail, turn left.   You'll cross a bridge.
RATINGS: Moderate
MILEAGE: 3.5 miles
FEE: $6 per vehicle or use your National Recreation Pass on a rearview mirror hanger.  Winter trail maps available at the ranger booth.
There is a self pay at the trailhead too.
HIKE TIME: Allow 2 hours 35 minutes to enjoy the loop.
ELEVATION GAIN: 330'
RESTROOM:   You'll find one down the hill at the lower snowmobile parking lot.
DIRECTIONS: From Kamas, Utah drive east on the Mirror Lake Highway SR 150.
Turn right into the North Fork parking area for cars.
NO CELL PHONE coverage

Saturday, January 10, 2015

SNOWSHOE 101

We had a wonderful day with Jesus in the mountains.   It was great to breathe clean mountain air and get out of the Smog Lake City valley.

SNOWSHOE 101
We drove up Big Cottonwood Canyon to Mill D South Fork and hiked around the campground areas.   It was fun seeing winter camps and igloos.   There were times we were alone in the forest, and other times we were among kids playing on the sledding hill.
RATINGS: Newbies
HIKE TIME: 2 hours
RESTROOMS available at parking area, and winter campgrounds.