Brian Brinkerhoff - Best Easy Day Hikes Salt Lake City

Best Easy Day Hikes Series

Best Easy Day Hikes Salt Lake City

Second Edition

Brian Brinkerhoff and Greg Witt

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Every effort has been made by the authors and editors to make this guide as accurate and useful as possible. However, many things can change after a guide is publishedtrails are rerouted, regulations change, facilities come under new management, etc.

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Thanks for your input, and happy trails!

Copyright 1999, 2009 by Morris Book Publishing, LLC

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available on file.

ISBN: 978-1-4930-0549-9

The authors and The Globe Pequot Press assume no liability for accidents happening to, or injuries sustained by, readers who engage in the activities described in this book.

Contents

The Hikes

Acknowledgments

Its always exciting to welcome the arrival of a second edition, with new hikes, updates, and enhancements. I want to especially thank Brian Brinkerhoff who conceived this guide over ten years ago, and who continues to inform, inspire, and entertain those who love the outdoors through Backcountry Utah and the Backcountry Radio Network.

The scenic variety and natural diversity of the Wasatch Range continues to amaze me. Much of the credit for that amazement goes to the Wasatch Mountain Club for their work in trail conservation and for enhancing the wild and natural qualities of Utahs backcountry.

Thanks once more to my wife and constant hiking companion, Elain, for her continued support and encouragement.

Greg Witt

Introduction

With mountains on every side, Salt Lake City is the most varied and vibrant hiking destination in the country. Name another city where within 300 yards of the states Capitol building and the downtown center you can be walking in a protected nature reserve, spotting elk and raptors. Where else can you have easy access to five federally designated wilderness areassome within walking distance of residential neighborhoods? And just beyond the urban areas of the Salt Lake Valley, youll find a stunning array of alpine lakes, snow-clad mountain peaks, fragrant evergreen forests, and deep-canyon waterfalls.

What Is a Best Easy Hike?

While there are some spectacular mountain summits and challenging long distance trails to choose from in the Salt Lake area, the focus of this guide is on the easier trails, along with routes suitable for individuals with disabilities. Trails in this guide vary in length and difficulty, although most routes are short and can be covered within a few hours. This guide focuses on hikes accessed within the Salt Lake Valley and in nearby Big Cottonwood Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Many of the hikes in this book have been selected because of their relatively short trail lengths, less steep inclines, and rewarding views. Although listed hikes vary in length and difficulty, all have two key features in common: each is approximately two hours or less in duration and the trailhead is less than an hours drive from the city center.

Most importantly this guide is about finding enjoyment in the outdoors and discovering the scenic wonders, the rich natural history, and the human history that surrounds us. Remember that its not important to arrive at a destination within a specific time frame, but to enjoy the scenery and travel at a comfortable pace. If the trail appears too dangerous or difficult, feel free to stop and return again on another occasion, when conditions are better.

Zero Impact

With the large number of trail users in this state, courtesy has become increasingly important to maintaining positive outdoor experiences for all backcountry visitors. The following suggestions can help make everyones visit more enjoyable and memorable.

The Zero Impact philosophy encompasses a wide range of outdoor ethics, including staying on the trail (to avoid trampling vegetation and increasing erosion), packing out litter, and leaving the environment better looking than when you arrived. The book Leave No Trace is a valuable resource for learning more about these principles.

Three FalconGuide Principles of Zero Impact

• Leave with everything you brought.
• Leave no sign of your visit.
• Leave the landscape as you found it.

Unfortunately, less considerate trail users leave reminders of their visits, including food wrappers, graffiti, and destruction along the trail. Each item left behind lessens the overall outdoor experience for others. Please pack out all scraps of paper, cans, and packages, including those left by careless individuals. By staying on the trail and following these guidelines, the scenery you came to enjoy will last for many generations.

Avoid taking wildflowers and other souvenirs, including rocks, artifacts from old mines, etc. These items cannot be replaced and when removed lessen the excitement, history, and beauty for others.

Yield to other trail users when appropriate, and be courteous along the way. Many trails are shared by more than one user group, including mountain bikers and horseback riders. These trails can accommodate a wide variety of trail users if all demonstrate a sense of responsibility and respect for others.

In addition, try to avoid making loud noise or playing music along the trail. The mountain tranquility that many seek can be disturbed easily by a single thoughtless visitor.

To minimize impacts on the environment, remember to make pit stops at established outhouse facilities before beginning any hike. If restrooms are unavailable, bury human waste 6 to 8 inches deep and pack out used toilet paper (carry a lightweight trowel for this purpose). Keep waste at least 300 feet from all surface water and marshy areas.

Dogs and horses are not allowed in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons, since these areas are considered protected watershed for the Salt Lake City area.

Be Prepared

Although hiking can provide numerous rewards, it is not without its hazards and inherent risks, especially for those who come unprepared. Mother Nature should always be given the respect she deserves; a little preparation will go a long way.