Saturday, December 31, 2011

Doughnut Falls Snowshoe

Beautiful blue sky, clean air, and lots of fun.  Because of the low snowfall this year, a lot of folks on the trail were hiking without snowshoes.   But poles are highly recommended. 
God blessed us with a refreshing day in the mountains!


DESCRIPTION:  Follow the Cardiff Road up to the Summer trailhead, where you'll see a restroom.   Get off the road, and follow the snowshoe trail up the hill.   The trail will cross a bridge and join the Cardiff Road.   When you come to a fork in the trail, stay to the left fork.   Follow the trail down to the narrows, where you'll have to climb down a few icy boulders.   Go up the stream bed and see the falls.  
RATINGS: MODERATE
BIG COTTONWOOD WATERSHED: No dogs allowed
MILEAGE: 3.15 miles round trip from Big Cottonwood Rd.
HIKE TIME: 3 hours
ELEVATION GAIN: 490'
PARKING: 8.8 miles up Big Cottonwood, park at Mill D South Fork,
"Cardiff Fork Road and 9730 E. Big Cottonwood Rd, SLC, UT"
RESTROOM available at the parking area.
GEAR: Poles, snowshoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, knit hat, insulate gloves, snow boots, water, energy snacks, and camera.
DIRECTIONS: Big Cottonwood Canyon begins at Fort Union Blvd and Wasatch Blvd in Salt Lake City, UT

Saturday, December 17, 2011

SNOWSHOE 101

BIG COTTONWOOD CANYON
God blessed us with a sunny day in the mountains!  Pure blue sky!  It was great to escape Smog Lake City, getting out of the cold valley, and to breathe clean fresh air...what a blessing!  






MILL D SOUTH FORK
Cardiff Fork Road, 9730 East and Big Cottonwood Road
RATINGS: NEWBIES - easy terrain for beginners and kids
GEAR: Snowshoes, poles, hat, insulated gloves, snow pants, sunscreen, sunglasses, water, camera, day pack, energy snacks, wear layers of clothing.
HIKE TIME: 2 hours
MILEAGE: 1 1/2 miles
DIRECTIONS: From I-215 take the ski exit,  drive up 6200 South and continue on Wasatch Blvd.  Turn left to Big Cottonwood Canyon Road at Wasatch Blvd and Fort Union Blvd.   Drive up to Mill D South Fork and park.