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| Hiking | 7.78 Miles |
4,144 AEG |
| | Hiking | 7.78 Miles | 5 Hrs 18 Mns | | 1.50 mph |
| 4,144 ft AEG | 7 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | This hike is the Flatiron of the Wasatch Mountains. Easy access (the parking area is literally right off the road, with ample parking and restroom facilities). The trailhead is also the base of a sheer crag that is popular with the rock climbing crowd.
The trail gains a little over 700 ft, in mile 1; 800 ft. in mile 2; then 1300 in mile 3; and 1400 in the last 3/4 mile to the summit, which involves a Four Peaks-ish scrambly chute. Add to all of that a covering of 1-2 feet of snow and ice, and let the adventure begin!
The first mile and a half are a little ho hum on scenery, especially with the sounds of traffic on the nearby I-215 rising up the slopes. But then, you turn into the drainage and by mile 2, where we crossed the stream/creek (rock hop), the sounds of the city were left behind and the beauty of this trail opens up. As does the throttle on the elevation gain, which to this point had been solid but basically doubles in intensity from there on up.
about 1/4 mile past the stream crossing, we donned our spikes, which were essential for the conditions on the day.
At mile 3.5, we reached the saddle at the apex of the drainage, which pops out to the first dramatic views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Covered with snow, the sight was amazing--and a worthy destination in and of itself.
For a few adventurous souls (#raisedhand), the real fun then began with a scramble up to the summit. It was very steep and there were a couple of spots where a slip would not have turned out well. Luckily, the spikes worked their magic, and before long we crested a short, knife-edged ridge for the final ramp to the summit.
360 views, including the Wasatch range, plus the Great Salt Lake, Kennecott copper mine, and everything else in the area, were majestic. We had the summit to ourselves! 
The scramble back down the chute was more precarious than the climb up. Once we passed the uber steep section and were nearly back to the saddle, I got cocky and then slipped twice in a row (even with the spikes). By then, the sun was warming up the snow, which gave the spikes a little less purchase. No worries, it wasn't too steep then, and only ended up bruising my pride a bit. 
We kept the spikes on till reaching the creek crossing on the return. From there, we cruised to the TH.
Highly recommend this one! |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
The rain had ceased and the sun peeked out by the time we reached the trailhead, where we changed into dry clothes. The afternoon was capped off by great chili at Wenchys and a visit to Salt Lake's massive REI. A perfect day and a perfect trip! 
