And lucky for me, today is an off Friday. I've been wanting to hike the Green's Basin Trail in Big Cottonwood for few weeks and that was my plan for today. But with the snow, I'm not sure if I'll be able to find and follow a trail I've never been on before so I'm heading elsewhere.
But its a beautiful morning. Not sunny but its trying to peek out. The Foothills, for the first time in months, are covered with snow. It looks so nice!!
So I'm heading to Little Cottonwood to hike a portion of the Red Pine Lake trail - it's easy to follow even with fresh snow. Well, I was heading to Little Cottonwood but right after passing the entrance to Big Cottonwood, the road became jammed with cars. Not sure if they were heading to the ski resorts in the Little Cottonwood (that would be a HUGE line) or there was an accident ahead but I turned around and am now heading up Big Cottonwood.
Beautiful drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon! The canyon, on both sides, is covered in snow. Not a lot of snow on the south side but at least there's snow!!! Snow covering the rocky slopes, laying nicely on the trees.....and thankfully, none on the road. This is what the end of Feb is supposed to look like up here!
I'm heading to the Spruces Trailhead to hike Green's Basin. A little nervous since I've not been there before and I have to deal with fresh snow (and possibly a hidden trail) but I'll do fine.
Not many cars at the other trailheads so I was really surprised to see numerous cars parked at the Spruces. Not a bad thing - perhaps someone has already cleared the Green Basin Trail for me. But there's a school bus with a bunch of 8-10 years running around. Time for Plan C.
Back in my car to head a mile or 2 back down the canyon. I'm now heading to an area on the north side of the road - across from Mill D - North. Big Cottonwood Creek passes through almost as a wetland (willows and all). In the winter, I've seen lots of parents w/ kids sledding down the small hills and there's a road that leads to a campground. Now sure where the road/trail goes beyond the campground or even if it does, but today I will find out.
As I pull in to park, there's a small group of X-country skiers heading down the road. Looks like I can follow their tracks - perfect! I ask a lady in the car next to mine where the trail heads. She says she's only been on it once to Donut Falls. But it does go farther. (She, like me, was heading to Little Cottonwood this morning.)
So off I go -- no snowshoes, just YakTrax - hoping that's a smart move.
It's so crisp this morning -- probably mid-20s. Just the sounds of the cars going by (and some helicopters -- not sure why all the helis -- maybe its avalanche patrol.) Probably 3-4 inches of new snow here (elevation ~7400 ft).
Since I'm not sure where I'm heading, I give myself an hour before turning back.
At the start, I cross the bridge of the creek, snowy beautiful all around.
To the west:
To the east:
Love the snow covered trees, rocks, and hillsides.With the overcast skies and all the snow, it's a day in shades of black-n-white.
I'm walking under a peak which I later find out is Kessler Peak.
As I follow the road I pass the closed campground and into Private Land where there are houses/cabins. The tire tracks are from the home owners; a few are stay during the winter.
The road ends and I continue along following just ski tracks, going uphill the whole way.
There's another wonderful peak in the distance.
I come to a second trail head -- I think this is probably to Donut Falls but there's no sign (and no fresh prints). I keep on going forward.
The trail curves over some small streams. And now the trail parallels one --- I can't see it but I can hear it gurgling. I'm still mostly in the trees.
Finally, I'm out of the trees and into a large valley between 2 mountains. The stream runs through far below.
There's a lovely peak ahead but it's starting to snow lightly so the visibility is diminishing. I'm almost to "a" top.
I'm closing in on an hour. I think I'm getting closer to the ridge and want to continue but with the snow and uncertainty about the trail, I should trust my gut and start heading back soon.
But the valley is so beautiful....I want to see where it ends. But that could be 1/4 mile or 5 miles, I just don't know. :(
I stop to let a X-country skier by - he tells me the trail heads all the way into Little Cottonwood - just doesn't indicate how far that is. So I guess it's time to start heading back - I'll find the end another day.
The trip down, uneventful and quick.
It's seems colder now, the wind has picked up a little and the views aren't so clear with the snow falling (and probably snow blowing in the wind).
I pass a Dad and his little son not far from the parking. The little boy (probably 3-4 yrs old) is on ski's. Coasting down the trail -- he's doing pretty good. It's nice to see.
Great day! I finally get my hike in fresh snow this winter. :)
After I get home, I find out I was on the Mill D South (or Cardiff Fork Trail). Back in the mid/late 1800s this area was a hot bed for mining. The trail is one of several old mining roads. The Cardiff Mine is at the 2.5 mile marker (1350 ft in elevation change). Another mile (and 1400 ft higher) is Cardiff Pass at10,200 ft. I couldn't tell by the snow cover, but the trail in many places is very rocky or scree (glad there was snow).
Well I know I didn't make it to the 2.5 mile mark -- but next time I will see that old mine.
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