Thursday, February 6, 2014

Donut Falls Snowshoe Hike

Conditions were fabulous for a snowshoe hike to Donut Falls yesterday afternoon (Feb. 5).  New snowfall and blue skies - couldn't ask for anything more!  Donut Falls is a Wasatch mountain classic and winter makes the hike even more fun.   It was a chilly 23 degrees, but no wind and once we started moving it did warm up pretty quick.  My favorite path to Donut Falls begins at the Spruces Campground 9.7 miles up Big Cottonwood CanyonThe trail begins at the far right area of the parking lot.  Begin hiking south from the parking area and make a right turn just before you reach the signs for Days Fork Trail.  This is a popular Donut Falls route and you will easily see the trail made by other hikers.  Soon you will come across this sign and know you are on the right trail. It is about 3.75 miles roundtrip to hike from Spruces campground.  Another option to hike to Donut Falls is to walk along the Cardiff Road at the Mill D trailhead, but that to me doesn't feel like a real snowshoe hike.  Walking the road takes the adventure and wilderness away.  Just my opinion.  Once you reach the base of the Falls don't stop!  Continue climbing until you find the cave.  Most of the time it is possible to climb into the cave and see the waterfall.  It feels like you are in an ice cathedral.  Very cool!!  It can be a bit of a challenge to climb up depending on the snow conditions, but it is worth the effort.  Then to get back down, it is best to just sit on your butt and slide!
Climbing UP!


 Inside the Cave
 


  More from the trail . . .


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******Miles hiked tally
beginning March 22, 2013

219.9