Bowman Fork Trail to Baker Spring

This weeks hike took me to Millcreek Canyon and the Bowman Fork Trail in the hopes of escaping the summer heat in the valley.  The plan today was to at least make it to Baker Springs and hopefully all the way to Baker Pass where trails continue on to Mount Raymond and Gobblers Knob.  Bowman Fork Trail begins at the Terrace Picnic area about 5 miles up Millcreek Canyon road.  Turn right at the sign for Terrace 1/4 mile, cross the bridge and make your way up the narrow road into the Terrace picnic area.  There is a small trail parking area located at the top of the picnic area.  The hiking trail for Bowman Fork is on your right with Elbow Fork trail on the left.   The first piece of the trail follows a lovely stream and is lush with plant life most notably thimble berry bushes.  This section of trail is a favorite for dog walkers.  The trail then climbs steadily through a nice forested stretch which provides good shade until you reach White Fir Pass.

 May the forest be with you!!!

At White Fir Pass the trail faces a southwesterly direction, the conifers thin out and you have more exposure to the afternoon sun - too hot!  
Take a moment to appreciate the views of Porter Fork from White Fir Pass.

 

There were so many beautiful wildflowers along the way I just have to share a few.

Colorado Columbine

Scarlet Gilia

King's Yellow Flax

Paintbrush

 

Rocky Mountain Clematis

Next stop is Baker Springs 3.2 miles from the trailhead.  Baker Springs is the site of an old mining camp and you can still see evidence of mine tailings in the beautiful meadow.  Baker Spring also has a reliable water source (if you dare).

Now you can see Mount Raymond.

 And Gobblers Knob which isn't quite as impressive from this angle.

And also a view of Grandeur Peak and the Salt Lake Valley.

We only made it a little beyond Baker Spring before deciding to turn around for the day.  The hot afternoon sun had done us in.  I am a bit discouraged that I can't quite nail the big peaks. :(  I'm not getting any younger you know - but I'm still hiking. 

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 Wildflower of the Week

These blossoms are from a Thimble berry plant which later produce berries that look a bit like a raspberry.  The berries are edible, but I haven't tried one to report on the taste - yet.  The leaves on this shrub are huge, some up to 10 inches wide.  The first section of Bowman Fork trail following the stream was lined with many Thimble berry bushes.

For myself I hold no preferences among flowers

so long as they are wild, free, spontaneous!"

Ed Abbey

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******Miles hiked tally

beginning March 22, 2013
Beginning of this Blog
308.8