Mule Hollow trail leads to yet another abandoned ore mine in Big Cottonwood Canyon. This trail is found 3.2 miles up Big Cottonwood road just past Storm Mountain picnic area with parking on the north side of the road. The trail follows a stream bed - zigzagging back and forth across the rocky, dry stream numerous times and steadily climbing up the Mule Hollow canyon drainage.
After hiking the narrow canyon for about 1.3 miles with an elevation gain of 1400 feet, the trail ends at the tailings dump from the old mine. All that remains is an old rail track coming from the caved in mine portal and rusty artifacts from what was once a miners cabin. The geology of Mule Hollow canyon was interesting with several large deposits of shale along the route as well as impressive views of Storm Mountain and Stairs Gulch. It was a perfect hike for such an unseasonably warm December afternoon! And did I mention that we also sighted Big Foot on the trail?? And took pictures!! I have the BEST time while hiking!
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| A few obstacles to overcome on the trail. |
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| Shale deposit |
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| Tailings to climb and we have arrived at the mine site. |
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| Rail from the old mine portal. |
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| Not a bad view! |
Big Foot Sighting! WHAT!!
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| He was a very friendly Big Foot! |
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