Alexander Basin

Alexander Basin is a beautiful glacial bowl located just below Gobblers Knob in Millcreek Canyon.  The trailhead is found 7.8 miles up Millcreek Canyon road with ample parking on the south side of the road.  The trail into Alexander Basin has been described as "one of the steepest trails in the Wasatch" and I concur!  In just over 1 1/2 miles you climb 1640 feet.  The trail passes though three levels of wildflower filled meadows before actually reaching the glacial cirque.  My hiking day yesterday (August 13, 2014) was cool and overcast which could not have been more perfect for this type of hike.  I was pleasantly surprised to find many of my favorite wildflowers still looking gorgeous this late in the summer.  The trail starts out pleasant enough, but soon turns into a real butt burner!

In less than a mile the trail opens up for a very fine view back down canyon.  And the clouds parted for a little blue sky - I was expecting rain?

 

Cow Parsnip as tall as me! (5'7")

First Meadow

Fireweed abounds!

Second Meadow

Still looking beautiful!

Third Meadow

 Glacial Cirque
  

From this point you begin the climb of another 1000 feet to reach Gobblers Knob.  This is the glacial cirque.  And a view looking back from Alexander Basin.

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 Wildflower of the Week

This tall, striking plant is called Saw Groundsel and is often seen growing in groups in the open forest such as on the Alexander Basin trail.  It has a large cluster of small yellow flowers and the leaves are serrated much like a saw blade.  Bees love this plant.

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
327.3