Crazy Hiker Chick: 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!