Crazy Hiker Chick

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

White Pine Trail

Sometimes I hike or snowshoe simply for exercise. If the sun is shining and there are blue skies, I head for the canyons to do my workout. I'm not a fan of gyms (boring!) - I know they work great for a lot of people, just NOT me. Saturday morning was one of those crystal clear days beckoning me to the mountains for my weekend workout. I chose the White Pine trail in Little Cottonwood Canyon and discovered a great snowshoe trail. (Wishing for more snow!) My workout goal was to snowshoe 1.5 miles up the trail then turn around and head back - no specific destination in mind. Just enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views (and burn a few calories).

A rare, clear view of the Salt Lake Valley thanks to the strong winds which blew the haze away for just a day.

Bird in flight!

It was such a beautiful day - so very thankful to be outside!

Some very fine views of Mount Superior!


Still a little color left in the canyon.

Small waterfall turned to ice.

After one mile on the White Pine trail you reach the junction for White Pine Lake or Red Pine Lake. I had never been on the trail to White Pine Lake so that was my choice for today. Even though I didn't go far I was treated to great views and I will be back!!


Turn around point and the snow was just getting good!

Crossing the bridges on the return.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

******Miles hiked tally

beginning March 22, 2013

189.6

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Willow Heights Trail Snowshoe

The trail to Willow Heights Lake is one of my favorite snowshoe hikes. It's a short hike - only 3/4 mile to the lake, but very steep at the beginning. What I love most about this trail is walking through acres and acres of aspen trees before arriving at the lake. Beautiful even in the dead of winter. The willows, for which this lake gets its name, turn a beautiful burnt orange color in winter. Contrast this orange color against the white snow and dark green pines - BELLISSIMO!

The weather conditions for our snowshoe hike yesterday were far from perfect but we went anyway! It rained on us for most of the way up Big Cottonwood canyon and we were getting discouraged. But by the time we reached the Willow Heights trailhead, the rain had turned to light snow. Good, very good! The other challenge we faced yesterday was snow depth. We had to walk without snowshoes for the first quarter of a mile or so, but after that we found enough snow to enjoy the hike.

And I must proclaim: IT IS NEVER TOO COLD TO SNOWSHOE!

MYTH BUSTED!!

But it helps to know how to dress in layers so here are my layering tips courtesy of REI.

Base layer - or next to the skin layer helps regulate body temperature by moving perspiration away from your skin. A polyester or synthetic fabric works much better than cotton fabrics. Cotton retains perspiration and can leave you chilled. And trust me you will work up a sweat when snowshoeing. Even in below freezing temps.
Middle layer - is insulation that helps you retain heat by trapping air close to your body. I use a medium weight fleece vest. Also light weight wool sweaters and shirts give you soft, reliable warmth.
Shell layer - is weather protection. This is the outer layer that protects you from wind, rain or snow. I use a very, very light waterproof jacket. No heavy ski parkas - trust me you will regret it! When snowshoeing on a sunny day I often peel off this outer layer after about 15 minutes of hiking.

Top off with your favorite beanie or ear muffs, water proof light weight gloves, sunglasses, snow boots, snow pants and you are good to go. Oh and don't forget that all important sunscreen.

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I read once that magic is where you find it; the only thing that matters is that you take the time to look for it. Even ordinary weeds look magical covered with snow.

More weeds, but hey I had to take pictures of something unique!

From the opposite side of the lake we spotted what we thought to be a moose laying near the lake. Turned out to be a very big rock! Laugh out loud! We were fooled!

Acres and acres of aspens.

Martha dropped her piece of banana in the snow and discovered a new treat!

Check out Willow Heights Lake, you will be glad you did!!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

******Miles hiked tally

beginning March 22, 2013

186.6

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Observation Point @ Zion NP

Observation Point looking down on Angels Landing

My absolute favorite time to visit Zion National Park is in autumn. The golden colors of fall makes this exquisite place even more beautiful! I have hiked many of the trails throughout the park and was looking for something a bit different on this trip. We decided to try the East Mesa trail to Observation Point then return by way of Echo Canyon and the Weeping Rock trail. A shuttle car is necessary for the way we chose to do the hike or you may be able to contact one of the Zion Park adventure companies to see if they offer rides out to East Mesa. It was a little tricky finding the East Mesa trail and I'm going to do my best to give directions. Begin by driving to the east entrance of the park along the Zion - Mount Carmel Highway. I love this stretch of road. It's fun to drive through the 1.1 mile tunnel and if you are lucky you will spot a herd of big horn sheep that hang out in the area around Checkerboard Mesa.

From the east boundary of Zion drive about 2 miles on Route 9 until you reach a sign for North Fork Road, turn left and drive this paved road for about 5.5 miles until you reach Zion Ponderosa Resort. Turn left into the Resort passing under the gate for Zion Ponderosa. Follow Pine Angle Road heading west, here the paved road ends and you start passing privately owned cabin lots. There were two or three signs along the road pointing you in the direction of Observation Point. The road becomes really rough the last couple of miles. (Not recommended for low clearance vehicles, but my Subaru Outback did great) The drive from Springdale to the East Mesa trail took us about one hour. The dirt road will end at a fenced area, find a place to park and the East Mesa trailhead is just a few feet left of this fence. The East Mesa trail follows an old jeep road through beautiful ponderosa pines with some great canyon views as well.

It is a leisurely walk of 3.2 miles to reach Observation Point. From Observation Point the views of Zion Canyon are truly spectacular! Spend some time at the top just to soak in the views.

Standing on the edge!

We hiked down from Observation Point through Echo Canyon along the Weeping Rock trail. This is a 4 mile trek down a steep trail (2148 feet of elevation change) with long drop-offs, but this trail is classic Zion National Park scenery and so worth doing.

Echo Canyon

More of Echo Canyon

Beautiful golden colors in the canyon

At the bottom of Weeping Rock trail we caught the Zion Park shuttle for a ride back to the visitors center where we left our second car. The only downside of doing this hike from East Mesa Trail was driving back to the beginning of our adventure to get the Subaru.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

******Miles hiked tally

beginning March 22, 2013

184.5

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Lake Solitude Snowshoe

I really love to snowshoe! Not only is it fantastic exercise, but snowshoeing makes the winter season so much more bearable. When the winter inversion socks in the valley, the mountains have clean, fresh air to breathe. Snowshoeing is an inexpensive sport. Once you purchase your snowshoes you are set. (No costly ski lift tickets required!) Check out Costco this time of year for great deals on snowshoe sets. I purchased my snowshoes from Kirkhams Outdoor Products last year at the end of the season and got them for 65 percent off. And I love them!! Check out this website for great snowshoeing tips and trail descriptions. www.snowshoeutah.com

Yesterday was my first bona fide snowshoe hike of the season. Too early for really great snow depth, but it was still beautiful and a lot of fun.

Lake Solitude

We wanted to try the trail to Lake Solitude for snowshoeing before the Solitude Ski Resort opened for business and we thought there would be plenty of snow at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon. The trail to Lake Solitude begins by hiking around the north side of Silver Lake which will soon become Solitude Nordic Center. When the Nordic Center opens in a few weeks an all day snowshoe pass is only $5. The total distance to Lake Solitude is just over 3 miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of only 300 feet.

On this hike you will pass across about three ski runs which will make it a tricky snowshoe when the skiers are on the mountain.

We extended our hike a bit by walking all the way around the lake. I know I've said this before, but it is fun to see the mountain lake from all directions and make the hike a bit more challenging.

Duck walking on thin ice!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

******Miles hiked tally

beginning March 22, 2013

177.3

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Mineral Fork Trail

I had the best time on my hike yesterday. I was prepared for a little snow,

but there was a lot more snow in the canyon than I expected - probably 6 or 7 inches. I'm excited for snowshoe season and the Mineral Fork trail was the perfect transition hike from fall to winter. Mineral Fork trail begins 6.1 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon and starts as an old mining road. There is a heavy gate blocking the Mineral Fork road from the highway. We parked in front of the gate. The trail leads to two abandoned mines, but we didn't quite make it that far. Winter scenery on this hike was awesome! Here is a glimpse of a winter wonderland.

Oh Happy Day!

What can I say??

In the snow I like to play!!