OUTING INFORMATION

SALT LAKE GROUP OUTINGS

GROUP CHAIR: ANN WECHSLER

Family Outings E-Mail List

To anyone interested in participating in a family outing e-mail list. The list is intended to serve as an electronic communiqué for interested parties to post and respond to family oriented activities. Communications of suggested and planned outings between parties will be carried out exclusively via the e-mail list. The list is intended to accommodate both planned and impromptu outings. Contact Kurt Alloway at desertquest99@eyahoo.com for more information about posting to the list.

JUNE

SLG, Sunday, 6/22, Day Hike to Butterfield Peak Located in the Oquirrh Mountains, Butterfield Peak offers a great opportunity to explore the mountains on the west side of the valley. Be prepared for an all day outing, bring plenty of water, snacks, and gear for sudden changes in weather conditions. Call Ron 801/292-4040 preferably before May 20th for meeting time, place, car pooling, and other information. CANCELED

SLG, Tues, 6/24, TUESDAY NIGHT HIKE on the GWT from Big Mountain Pass A favorite venue for Tuesday night hikes. The path is rolling rather than the typical straight up and down trails along the Wasatch. The trail passes aspen groves, old pine stands, and broad meadows full of wild flowers. Hikers may also encounter wildlife along way. Meeting place is the eastern part of the K-Mart parking lot on Parleys Way and Foothill Drive at 6:30 pm. Call Ken 801/484-3112 for more information.

SLG, Sat-Sun, June 28-29, Overnight Backpack to Deseret Peak It’s not often the group ventures to the Stansburys so this is a great opportunity to explore this part of the world. Deseret Peak has been called an alpine mountain in a desert oasis. At just over 11,000 feet, Deseret Peak is the highest peak in the Stansbury Range. The trail to the peak passes aspen groves, lush mountain meadows, and the wild flowers should be in full bloom. The summits offers spectacular views of many prominent landmarks in northern Utah including the Great Salt Lake Desert to the west and Salt Lake valley and impressive peaks of the Wasatch Front to the east. The plan is to leave early Saturday morning, drive to the trailhead, hike part of the way to the peak Saturday and camp Saturday night. Sunday will be summit day, descending, then driving back to Salt Lake. Call Rebecca at 801/487-4160 for meeting time, place, information on what essentials to bring, and other important details.

JULY

SLG, Tues, 7/1, TUESDAY NIGHT HIKE to Broad Fork in BCC Take a break from the sweltering summer heat with a refreshing hike on a cool trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Meeting place is the Big Cottonwood Canyon Park and Ride at the mouth of the canyon at 6:30 pm. Call Ken 801/484-3112 for info about the hike.

SLG, Sun, 7/6, North Fork Trail Uintas The North Fork trail begins about 11 miles east of Kamas near the beautiful Mirror Lake Highway. The path is relatively flat, is mostly in close proximity to the creek, and passes through picturesque forested acreage approximately 4 miles (one way) to the destination. Depending on the condition and will of participants, an option will be to ascend a couple miles, bushwhacking and scrambling required, to the aptly named Hidden Lake, a tranquil sanctuary inside the pristine Uinta National Forest. The North Fork trail is appropriate for novice and experienced hikers, but the hike to Hidden Lake is difficult should the decision be made to hike there. Plan on an all day adventure and bring plenty of water/snacks for the trek. Call Ken (484-3112) for meeting place, time, and other information.

 SLG, Tues, 7/8, Tuesday Night Hike to Salt Lake Overlook The trailhead for the Salt Lake Overlook is just a short drive up Millcreek Canyon. A spectacular view of the Salt Lake Valley will reward participants after a hike up a moderately sloped trail to the overlook. The elevation and shade of the afternoon will offer a refreshing break from the heat of the valley. Meeting place is the Skyline High parking lot at 6:30 PM. Call Dee (781-1970) for information about the hike.

SLG, Sat, 7/12, Thoreau Birthday Hike and Reading Join us for a modest hike to a lovely setting and enrich yourself with the poetic wisdom of Henry David Thoreau. Bring a snippet from his voluminous writings or merely sit back and enjoy the experience. The leader will have some materials to share. Meeting place is the Big Cottonwood Canyon Park and Ride at the mouth of the canyon at 9:30 AM. Afterwards we can toast the memory of this great naturalist and visionary. Contact Aaron at 801-467-3532 or ajonesmvp@msn.com . [E]

SLG, Tues, 7/15, Tuesday Night Hike Elbow Fork We will start at the Elbow Fork trailhead, across the road from Mt Aire and the Pipeline Trail heads. Then hike to the ridge and descend along down the Terraces trail. Arrangements will be made to shuttle hikers from the Terraces back to Elbow Fork. A not too difficult slope to begin, gentle slope back to the cars, and glorious views of the canyon and surrounding peaks along the way. Meeting place is Skyline High School parking lot at 6:30 PM. Call Ken (484-3112) for more information.

SLG, Sat, 7/19, Outing Leaders Training Workshop For aspiring and current outing leaders. This will be an all-day workshop at Salt Lake City’s Main Library, 210 East 400 South, covering pre-trip preparation, trail etiquette, soft skills for handling large groups, and other skills essential for leading hikes. The workshop will also offer basic wilderness first aid training including how to deal with common minor and major emergencies which may occur on a typical Sierra Club outing. The workshop will run from 9:30 am to 4 pm with a break for lunch. Please RSVP to Rebecca 801/487-4160 or Ken 801/484-3112 before the workshop. [E]

SLG, Tues, 7/22, Tuesday Night Hike in Porters Fork Most of the Porters Fork hike will be on paved trail which begins not far above the Log Haven restaurant in Millcreek Canyon. After passing by summer cabins the road ends but a trail continues and participants will continue into the forest as long as light allows. The slope is moderately steep but the scenic and tranquil environs will make the trip worthwhile. Meeting place is the Skyline High parking lot at 6:30 PM. Call Robert (949-3597) for information.

SLG, Fri-Sun, 7/25-27, Lone Peak Backpack Lone Peak is one of the wildest yet most accessible of our local wilderness areas.  Come experience the magnificence of this challenging mountain.  We plan to hike up from the town of Alpine to the Second Hamongog meadow (about a 3 hour hike) and camp Friday night.  Then, the next day, Saturday, we will climb on a route to Lone Peak summit and cirque, returning to the Second Hamongog for the night.  We plan to return Sunday morning.    Participants need to be in good physical condition; there will be about 5,000 feet elevation gain.  Route finding and mountaineering skills are helpful for this adventure.  This mountain is rated at "Most Difficult" by the Wasatch Mountain Club.    Please email Rebecca at rebeccawallace38@msn.com, or call at 801/487-4160 with questions.

SLG, Tues, 7/29, Tuesday Night Hike in Big Cottonwood Canyon Although the venue was not chosen at press time, Mineral Fork, Mill B, and Broads Fork are few excellent possibilities for this hike. Wherever the group goes, the alpine ambiance of Big Cottonwood Canyon will be a rejuvenating reward after a hot and stressful day in the city. Meeting place is the Big Cottonwood Canyon Park & Ride at 6:30 pm. Call Jan (712-8956) for information.

AUGUST

SLG, Tues, 8/5 Tuesday Night Hike to Brighton Lakes The summer would not be complete without a drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon and hike around the Brighton Lakes near the ski area. The mountain is high but the path is relatively easy, and the views of surrounding peaks are stunning. Meeting place is the Big Cottonwood Park & Ride at 6:30 pm. Call Rebecca (487-4160) for information.

SLG, Tues, 8/12, Tuesday Night Hike in Little Cottonwood Canyon This is the only Tuesday hike in Little Cottonwood Canyon this season, and will probably take place in the Albion basin area of the canyon. Expect moderate level steepness and pace. Take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy the abundant wild flowers, view magnificence of the surrounding peaks, and perhaps even be surprised by a wildlife sighting. A cool way to spend a Tuesday evening. Meeting place is the Little Cottonwood Park & Ride at 6:30 pm. Call Tad (487-3570) for information.

SLG, Tues, 8/19, Tuesday Night Hike in Neffs Canyon The Neffs Canyon trail is a moderate hike with occasional stretches of steep gravel; the trailhead is just south of Millcreek Canyon. Depending on the desire of participants, the turnaround point could be either the meadow, or to the ridge between Mt Olympus and Mt Raymond. Either way this is a great hike for the novice or more seasoned hiker. Call Robert (949-3597) for more information.

SLG, Tues, 8/26, Tuesday Night Hike in Mineral Fork Mineral Fork is a favorite of the hiking leader. Beginning a short distance above the S curve in Big Cottonwood Canyon, the trail is an old logging road that switchbacks through scenic oak and pine stands. There are two stream crossings, the second leading to aspen groves and beds of wildflowers. Meeting place is the Big Cottonwood Park & Ride at the mouth of the canyon at 6:30 pm. Call Ken (484-3112) for information.

SEPTEMBER

SLG, Tues, 9/2, Tuesday Night Hike in City Creek There are several trail choices in and around the City Creek Canyon area. Difficulty level will depend on the chosen trail, but none will be too difficult for an experienced hiker. Since daylight is a concern this time of year, we will start the hike directly from the gates of City Creek near the parking area. It is advised to pack flashlights and insect repellent. Meeting place is the mouth of City Creek, at the entry gate at 6:30 pm. Call Ken (484-3112) for information and directions to the trailhead if necessary.

 SLG, Tues, 9/9, Tuesday Night Hike to the Living Room The last Tuesday hike of the season. Great views, not too difficult slope, mild temperatures, and good company highlight this popular hike. Meeting place is Tabby Lane and Colorow in research park near the U of U at 6:30 PM. Take a right on Wakara Way, go straight to the end, turn Right on Colorow. Park along the road at Tabby or pass and park closer to the trailhead which is on the left side of the road if you come from that direction. Call Dee (718-1970) for information and directions. Hope to see you there!

SLG, Sat-Sun, 9/13-9/14, Car Camp at Notch Peak/West Desert Known as the El Capitan of the West Desert, Notch Peak is one of the classic landmark peaks in the state of Utah. At the base is a granite fortress, and the multicolored limestone rock face soars to more than 4,000 feet above the Tule Valley floor. An adventurous Sierra Club member will attempt (this is the third time within a year) to summit the majestic peak and invites other experienced hikers to join him for the trip. The trail to the peak is a soft wash bottom, passes under sheer limestone walls, through ancient bristlecone pine stands, before climbing to the peak and a hauntingly panoramic view of the vast West Desert. Although the trek is moderate in difficulty, it is advised that participants be in good physical condition. The plan is to make the 3-hour drive on Saturday morning, hike to the summit, camp Saturday night, then explore some before driving home on Sunday. There is flexibility to alter the plans based on interest in the outing.

Bring all the car camp necessities and plenty of water, as there are no water sources in the area. RSVP as close to September 13 th as possible to Ken (484-3112) for meeting time, place, and other details.