Beartrap Fork trail is probably the least hiked trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon for a couple of reasons. 1) The trailhead is not marked at all and is challenging to find. 2) The trail begins on private land so access is limited. The good news is if you like solitude while hiking you will most likely have plenty on this trail. The trailhead for Beartrap Fork is located about 10.7 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon on the north side of the road across from the Pine Tree cabin area. (I've included a map) There isn't parking for this trailhead other than the side of the road. Look for a large metal gate with a watershed protection sign posted and you will know you are in the right place to begin hiking. The trail, once you find it is easy to follow and in good condition as it steadily climbs up the Beartrap Fork drainage. No water to be found this time of year in the stream bed, but plenty of foliage hugs the trail most notably Engelmann's Asters, Groundsel, Showy Daisys and Western Coneflowers. I especially loved walking through very healthy stands of aspens which will be spectacular this fall when the leaves change to gold. After almost 2 miles of hiking the trail opens into a large meadow filled with pretty Showy Goldeneyes. Here you will have a nice photo op of mountain vistas to the south before the final push up a fairly steep hillside. At 2.2 miles the Beartrap Fork trail intersects with the ever popular Wasatch Crest mountain bike trail which is part of the Great Western Trail system. Following the Wasatch Crest trail to the right another 1/2 mile brings you to the "spine" where you have awesome views of Desolation Lake in one direction and the Canyons ski resort in the other. We thought we would have a great view of Desolation Lake if we climbed a small knoll to the left of the trail junction. OOPS! A view yes, but not the greatest. Overall Beartrap Fork is a great trail worthy of a hike. We covered about 5.2 miles with an elevation gain of 2,118 feet. Here are pictures and a map.
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| Trail entrance |
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| Makeshift bridge. No water this time of year. |
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| Lush mountain plants including Engelmann's Aster, Monkshood and Paintbrush. |
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| Encountered one huge obstacle across the trail. |
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| Beautiful aspens |
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| The only other person on the trail was a lone mountain biker. Not a good trail for bikes. |
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| Serene meadow just before steep stuff. |
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| More wildflowers - Showy goldeneye, groundsel, paintbrush and showy daisy. |
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| Hillside filled with beautiful aspens and showy goldeneyes. |
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| Mountain vistas to the south. |
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| Two trails converge. |
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| Small plane flying very low overhead. |
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| Desolation Lake from high above. |
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Happy Hiking!
