Bowman Fork (Millcreek Canyon)

Our original design as we set out at 6:30 in the morning was to hike Mount Aire (a peak behind Grandeur Peak) up Millcreek Canyon. As we drove up the canyon we were disappointed to find out the gate to the upper part of the canyon was still closed. I guess it never opens till July 1st even though we haven't had much snow this year. So we decided to find a random trail and follow it. 

The trail we ended up on was the Bowman fork trail. The trail head is found at the Terraces Picnic area. The picnic area is found about 4.5 miles up the canyon on the south side of the road. From the Bowman Fork trailhead, the trail begins a gradual ascent as it heads in a generally eastward direction for approximately 1 mile up the Bowman Fork drainage.  From there the trail leaves the drainage and turns to the south. After a series of switchbacks the trail arrives at a beautiful overlook towards Mount Raymond and the Mount Olympus Wilderness Area. 

After exploring the area for a while we continued onward. From the overlook the trail headed east again. According to our map we were supposed to run into a fork in the trail that would head over to the Porter Fork Trail. After searching for the other trail we decided to abandon our efforts and turn around. The map we had showed the trail heading towards a pass between Gobblers Knob and Mount Raymond.

Where Are We?

A Super Gnarly Tree we found 

Mill B North and Hidden Falls

The Mill B North Trail Starts up Big Cottonwood Canyon. About 6 miles up the canyon in the middle of the S curve is the parking area. To the South of the road is the more popular Lake Blanche trail . The Mill B North Trail head is on the North side of the road near the top of the S curve. This trail is more often uses to access Hidden falls that is just a short distance from the Road.

The trail forks almost immediately after crossing the road. The trail to the left goes to the falls and the trail to the right heads up several switchbacks to the top of the hill above the falls. From here the trail follows the stream above the falls for a little while before turning to the right and climbing slightly steeper. After two long switchbacks the trail makes its way to the first overlook above Big Cottonwood.

View up the Canyon from the canyon overlook

Joel on the trail

After the overlook the trail heads to the northeast along the ridge between the Mill B fork and Porter fork canyons. We stopped at an overlook above Porter Fork directly beneath Mount Raymond. The trail continues on and provides access to Mount Raymond and Gobblers Knob eventually making its way down the other side of the mountain into Millcreek Canyon. 

Taking a rest at the top of Porter fork.

On the way back down we stopped off at the falls. Hidden falls is truly a beauty. I wonder how many people travel up and down the canyon without ever seeing it.


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Desolation Trail to Salt Lake Overlook

The Desolation trail is a 17.5 mile (one way) trek that starts in Millcreek Canyon and ends at Desolation lake. Although I would have loved to have hiked the whole thing time would not permit. Our destination was a Valley overlook about 2 miles from the trailhead. The trail starts to the west of  the parking area. After a short distance the trail forks with the Desolation trail heading to the right and the Thayne Canyon trail going left.

The first part of the trail is very wooded and offers a lot of shade. after about a 1/4 mile you hit the first set of switchbacks. The trail was fairly easy but had a very steady elevation gain. After the first set of switchbacks the trail heads back to Thayne Canyon where the Two trails meet up again. (We took the Thayne Canyon trail on the way down.) Desolation trail then heads west and gradually makes its way up the mountainside. There is one switchback before a longer stretch of the trail  takes you to the last set of switchbacks that takes you over the ridge line to the Valley overlook.

First look at the valley 

A view of Grandeur Peak to the north

The desolation trailhead is located at the South Box Elder Picnic area, 3.2 miles up the canyon just east of the Millcreek  Inn.

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Neffs Canyon

Neffs Canyon is one of my favorite hikes.
We hiked this trail on June 21st 2011, normally most the snow would be gone by then but, due to a very wet spring, we had to do much of the hike in snow. As we usually do we began early (around 6:30) the trail is very well maintained and easy to follow. Because of all the snow and excessive runoff we had quite an adventure trying to find our way around parts of the trail that were flooded.  The hike is moderate with the last .25 mile or so becoming strenuous. Much of the hike is through the Mt. Olympus Wilderness area. We stopped at the meadow, the trail continues from there and can be a great way to explore the many trails in the wilderness area.


    


Total Distance: 3.4 mi 
Total Time: 2:42:06
Moving Time: 1:15:25
(one way) 6.8 miles round trip


Max Speed: 11.67 km/h (7.3 mi/h)
Min Elevation: 1685 m (5528 ft)
Max Elevation: 2385 m (7826 ft)
Elevation Gain: 876 m (2874 ft)
Max Grade: 5 %
Min Grade: -1 %
Recorded: Tue Jun 21 06:30:02 MDT 2011


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