Ferguson Canyon

Ferguson Canyon is probably one of the most unique canyons we have in such close proximity to Salt Lake City and one that doesn't get a lot of attention.  It is a very steep, narrow canyon with towering rock formations on both sides - a rock climbers paradise.  The most narrow sections of Ferguson Canyon made me feel like I was hiking through a slot canyon in southern Utah.  Other times I felt like I was walking through an enchanted forest following a small stream covered with moss and beautiful ferns still very green in mid November.  Also there were delightful small waterfalls starting to icicle over.    Our destination was a ridge overlook 1 3/4 miles up the canyon, elevation gain of 1600 feet, with impressive views of the Cottonwood Heights City and down into the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon - exploring new territory here.  Did I mention this canyon is very steep in some parts, most notable on the way down, almost scary steep - use extreme caution coming down.  

Towering rock cliffs

 

Under the tree arch.

Small waterfall with icicles.

Very hairy, moss covered rock.

Trail iced over and very slick.

Ice art!

Rock formations at the ridge overlook.

Views from the top!

Looking down on Cottonwood Heights City and then a little further Big Cottonwood.

Ferguson Canyon is located just east of Wasatch Boulevard and 7800 South with the trail starting from a residential area of Cottonwood Heights City.  Follow Honeywood Cove Drive to Top-of-the-world Drive, turn left and then turn right on Timberline Drive (7780 South).  Cottonwood Heights city built a fabulous new trailhead a few years ago with parking spots and a mini amphitheater.  The trail wraps around left of the water tower and then descends into the canyon before climbing up to the ridge overlook.  This trail is very dog friendly.

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Please!  I would love to hear from readers of my blog.  Your thoughts and comments are greatly appreciated!

******Miles hiked tally

beginning March 22, 2013

Beginning of this Blog

400.5

Mineral Fork Trail to Wasatch Mine

Two historic mining site hikes in two weeks, in two different canyons a few short miles from my home. What fun I have!! The Mineral Fork trail to the Wasatch Mine begins about 6 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon on the right hand side of the road and is blocked by a heavy metal gate.  The trail is actually an old mining road, an extremely rocky old road, that is now closed to vehicles with the exception of maybe ATVs and dirt bikes.  It is 3 miles to reach the Wasatch Mine with an elevation gain of 1940 feet.

The trail makes several switchbacks and crosses a stream twice.  I love the sight and sound of this waterfall flowing across the road.  After about 3/4 of a mile the trail opens up for a very nice view down canyon into the Salt Lake Valley.

Mineral Fork cirque.

The trail divides at this small sign with the marker pointing right but either direction leads to the Wasatch mine site.  It makes a nice loop!  We were walking in some fairly deep snow at this point.

Trail leading to Wasatch Mine

Beauty in ordinary weeds

Snow starts getting deeper.

We see mine tailings and know we are close to Wasatch Mine.

Close up of mine tailings with stream flowing.

Rust colored stream flows from mine entrance.

Unfortunately or fortunately depending on how you look at it, ore in commercial quantities was never found at this mine site and active work stopped in the 1940's.  This adit (a level passage from the surface into a mine) goes back some 5000 feet.  Luckily the mine entrance is block by a heavy metal gate so no one can venture deep into the mine. 

Mine entrance block by heavy gate.

Railroad ties hold tailings in place.

Aspen art that we saw along the trail in Mineral Fork Canyon.

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Please!  I would love to hear from readers of my blog.  Your thoughts and comments are greatly appreciated!

******Miles hiked tally

beginning March 22, 2013

Beginning of this Blog

397

Grizzly Gulch to Prince of Wales Mine

The Grizzly Gulch trail to the Prince of Wales mine begins in the parking area near the Alta Guard Station in Little Cottonwood Canyon just before the road becomes Albion Basin road.  There is a small trail marker for this hike called Alta - Brighton Trail and indicates mileage for Cardiff Pass (1.7 miles) and Twin Lakes Pass (2.1 miles), but there is a third option - the Prince of Wales mine (2.2 miles). The trail begins as a short steep climb that eventually connects to an old road for a more gradual up.  This service road takes you first to the remains of the Emma mine which was quite the scandal back in 1873 when the rich vein ran dry.  Continue on to Cardiff Pass and take the trail to the right which climbs toward the remains of the Prince of Wales mine. Eureka! (I have found it!)

The entire area is littered with historic mine relics.    Mining was big business in Utah clear back in the 1860s.  In fact, in 1862 President Abraham Lincoln supposedly said that "Utah will yet become the Treasure House of the nation". Just look at Bingham Canyon and all the treasure that has been pulled out of that mine (eye sore) over the years.  In 1864 silver, zinc and lead deposits were discovered in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons with the most famous mining operation being the Prince of Wales group. The Prince of Wales mine ceased operation in 1880.  I am very grateful that the mines have all been abandoned and that the ski industry is now the "gold mine" in the cottonwood canyons.  I have so enjoyed hiking to and exploring the old mine sites in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons.  One more note about the Grizzly Gulch hike, it is very exposed - not very much tree cover so save this one for a cooler day.  Fall is a great time!

Remains of the Emma mine

 

 

Some kind of ore still visible on the rocks.

Prince of Wales Mine Site

Boiler and hoisting equipment

Heavy steel grating covers the 900 foot deep mine shaft

Beautiful carved white sandstone of the Honeycomb Cliffs

I ran across the lyrics of an old mining song from the 1800s referring to the scandal of the Emma mine and the fear of losing capital for mining operations from England.

  "Let capital pass by our door! 

Little Cottonwood miners to explore.

With powder and drills,

we can mine those hills.

And dig out our own precious ore!

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Please!  I would love to hear from readers of my blog.  Your thoughts and comments are greatly appreciated!

******Miles hiked tally

beginning March 22, 2013

Beginning of this Blog

390.9

The Subway in Zion National Park

 My favorite rappel.

WOW!  What an experience!  The Subway hike in Zion National Park has been on my bucket list for many years and now it's completed - CHECK!! Double check!!  This hike was challenging, taking us novices 10 1/2 hours to complete.  It was thrilling, first time rappelling. (I rocked those rappels)  It involved swimming short distances in very cold water.  It was spectacular! scenery beyond amazing.  It was exhausting, about 11 miles of hiking including getting a little lost and backtracking.  Would I do it again?  Yes, if the right opportunity presents itself - yes!  There are basically two ways to hike the Subway, round trip from the Left Fork Trailhead (easier) or top down from the Wildcat Trailhead which involves rappelling and swimming.  Our group of five hiked top down from Wildcat Canyon leaving a shuttle car at the Left Fork parking area.  Both trails require a wilderness permit. Visit www.zionpermits.nps.gov  for more information.  We were lucky enough to draw out a last minute permit which we picked up at the Zion Park visitor center the day before we hiked.  Our hiking day October 25 was absolutely perfect!  Here are some pictures (wish I could have taken more) and a few tips for hiking the Subway.

One of only 2 or 3 trail signs, must rely on cairns to find trail.

Looking for trail

Canyon bottom

First rappel

Loved this slot canyon

Playing peek a boo!

Walking out of the Subway.

My super heroes!

Beautiful water

More beautiful water

Even more beautiful water!

The long trek out.

Dinosaur tracks 2.4 miles from Left Fork Trailhead.

Here are my tips for hiking the Subway in October.

#1. Be prepared!  Do a lot of research before hiking!  Know your ability and that of your hiking companions.
#2. Hit the trail early!  By 7 am.  We started hiking at 9:00 and we were rushed and didn't make it out before dark.  Carry headlamps!
#3.  Carry maps, GPS and reference material.  Zion Adventure Company sell a $5 Subway for dummies reference guide.
#4.  Wetsuits are a MUST!  Maybe not so much in summer months, but definitely during fall.
#5.  Neoprene water socks are also a MUST.  They help prevent blisters and keep feet comfortable.
#6.  Also take dry bags.  Not only do they keep your stuff dry, they were very helpful and buoyant on the deeper swims.
#7.  I didn't think the trail was very well marked so you will have to rely heavily on cairns.

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******Miles hiked tally

beginning March 22, 2013
Beginning of this Blog
386.5