Monday, October 18, 2010

Desolation Lake

Desolation Lake is a fun, moderate trail located along Big Cottonwood Canyon Drive.  This is popular hiking as well as mountain biking trail.  But don't expect to see all of the bikers riding their bikes - with a 2,000 foot elevation gain from the trail head to the lake, most bikers find walking easier than biking.

I took a trip up to the canyon a few weeks ago - just as the leaves were beginning to turn.  The trail is well marked and the hike will give you a good workout.  Be careful for those mentioned bikers - some of them are not too keen on the hiking/mountain biking etiquette.  I almost got run over by a couple of yahoo bikers who failed to yield on their way down.

Once up at the lake, there is a short, but steep trail, that will take you to the top.  The views from the top are breathtaking.  You will be able to see 360 degrees.  From the west you will have a view of the entire Salt Lake valley and from the East you can see Park City and Heber City.  It is worth the extra effort to climb to the top.

Here are a few pictures from my recent hike:


















3 comments:

  1. You are so outdoorsy! I love it. I'm also glad that you have so many pictures to make me feel jealous!

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  2. I have been meaning to do this hike. I saw it in my Falcon hiking Utah book and know that there are some brook trout up there. I like to use my hikes as fishing trips. The pictures look great and make me wish it wasn't so cold out so I could go up there.

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  3. That is one of the most fantastic things about living in Salt Lake-we are so close to so many beautiful hikes! Especially when the leaves turn-that is truly spectacular. It's always good to learn about new ones though, thanks for sharing. I just did donut falls with my family- (we had a six-month old along for the hike, so obviously we did an easy one)and it was so beautiful!

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