| |
|
| | |
|
| Hiking | 11.59 Miles |
4,602 AEG |
| | Hiking | 11.59 Miles | 5 Hrs 48 Mns | | 2.01 mph |
| 4,602 ft AEG | 2 Mns Break | | | |
|
|
| |
| Partners |
|
none
[ show ]
| no partners | | I have an annual conference in Utah Valley in September, and since several of our kids and grandkids are in the area, we enjoy the trip up each year for several reasons!
It's usually peak fall color season, but this year, the best color was a week or so prior.
After the conference, I hit up one of the Wasatch Peaks--usually Timpanogos, but I decided to try another peak this time. Originally, I planned an ambitious climb up Lone Peak, but the weather forecast was for thunderstorms, and Lone Peak is notorious for lightning strikes. So, we looked for an other option.
My oldest daughter just moved to Spanish Fork, and their house looks straight out on this lovely peak, so Spanish Fork Peak it was! At less than 6 miles one way with ~4700 AEG, it's a worthy climb.
My son joined me on the hike. He had actually hiked it a few weeks earlier, but agreed to hit it up again with me.
We got to the trailhead in the dark--and rain! Gluttons for punishment though, we embraced the conditions and set out with headlamps and rain jackets.
It got light within 30-40 minutes. As expected, the cloud cover limited expansive views, but the rain made the remaining fall colors pop.
We didn't see a soul the entire hike until about 1/4 mi. from the TH on our return.
Our only company was a herd of 12-15 elk that came barreling down the mountainside right at us. We got a little worried that they intended to plow right over us, but they veered of and split into two groups right before reaching us. The sound of their thundering hooves was powerful!
The trail climbs up the back side of the peak, before cresting the Wasatch ridgeline and skirting around a sub-summit before circling back up to the peak.
Before we reached the ridgeline, we came across snow/slush on the ground. Once we reached the ridgeline, the breeze picked up a bit, plummeting the temps.
By the time we reached the summit, we were surrounded by clouds. No summit views today. We were cold, so just snapped a few photos and began our descent.
On the way back to the ridgeline, the clouds parted briefly for a quick view down to the valley.
The descent offered additional views/perspective on the fall colors and a lot of good conversation with my son. The hot, post-hike shower at my daughter's--only 15 minutes from the TH, was lovely!
A great hike if you're in the area. I'll need to do it again to experience the views. |
| _____________________
| | |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Route Editor
Route Scout
