“Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” ~Emerson
I wanted to have a 3 heel hike and I thought a hike to The Living Room would be that hike. And it would have been, if the path had led to The Living Room. However, since the trails above the Hospital aren't marked, I ended up traversing, in 2.5 inch heels, a trail that was more like a 1 heel hike.
The Living Room is a valley overlook point that sits up above the University of Utah and is so named because visitors have moved the sandstones atop the mountain into furniture so that weary travelers, or those looking to swap a television view for a spectacular sunset, can sit in comfort for a great show.
But that wonderful experience eluded me. Following directions found on the Internet, I parked at the trail head right next to the Huntsman Center. The name of the trail head: TRAIL HEAD. I then made my way through the foliage and found myself in a sea of trails going every which way. Some all fed into one location, others ducked down other chasms, into foliage, down service roads. I guessed, and guessed wrong.
Unable to even spot what peak I was aiming for, I ended up on the south side of the mountain. I was climbing higher and higher, taking in great views of This Is The Place Park, and getting some incredible views of the East to West grid. Soon I was coming up the mountain directly from the south heading north and then the path split. North was straight up and I most definitely did not have the equipment to scale the terrain. To the East the trail dropped sharply into a gully, to the West, a similar path, with a less severe grade. I chose to go West.At first I thought the path would loop back to where I had started, and it would, but only after three intense hills. Climbing steep hills in heels, as I've said before, is much easier than coming down steep hills in heels. Easier if the terrain is fairly solid, but quite dangerous if the terrain has broken debris, especially when that debris are flat pieces of rock.
Fortunately, because of the position of the trail, a small "creek bed" had formed in the middle of the trail, which I was able to wedge my left heel into while I took a step forward with my right. I literally inched my way down each of those three hills. I seriously worried that my heels would break, that I would find an even more slick surface on the next ridge, and that ultimately, I would be unable to get back at all let alone before the sunset.
2 hours 15 minutes, I was back to the TRAIL HEAD. No scratches, heels in tact, but completely deflated and disappointed. However, now looking at some of the incredible shots, it was a great hike. And while it was 3 heel possible, walking into the unknown, unmarked trail, unprepared is not a great experience.
Apparel: Skinny Jeans, Navy Boatneck Top
Shoes: Camel Leather Guess 2.5 inch Stilettos
DIRECTIONS: Park at the Trail head just past the Huntsman Center above Research Campus. Wander.
I'm starting to think about investing in a camelback pack in order to be better prepared for some of the longer trails, or, um, the unmarked excursions.
Cecret Lake is one of those secrets you just have to share. Tucked away above Alta Ski Resort, this hidden lake is a treat for young and old alike. All of my prior research indicated that the hike was a "stroll". If your idea of a stroll is walking down 5th Avenue in the Easter Parade, you are going to be in for a shock. The path is on a continual incline that is mostly smooth, but I did see 3 grown men stumble. To get to the lake, there is quite a bit of a climb. The path isn't terribly difficult but be prepared for an elevation gain of 280 ft with most of it over 0.09 miles.
The length of the hike seems to be widely debated. Every post I've read ranges from 3/4 of a mile to 1 mile to 1.25 miles. The sign just across the walk from this one posted the hike at 0.4 miles, so there is even disparity at the site itself.
So here are the minutes. It took me 26 minutes to get up to the lake, which left 27 minutes to enjoy the views, and 37 minutes to descend [there were far more people coming up the path at that point].
I wore my canvas wedges [donut falls] again as they are reinforced with ridged rubber bottoms, which make climbing the somewhat slick rocks easy. The hike has been toted as family friendly, and I'd have to agree. Halfway up the hike I became blended with a family that had everyone from newborn to grandpa and they were all doing just fine.
It is a bit chilly. There was about a 40 degree difference in temperature from the valley to the trailhead. Fortunately I had my green trenchcoat in the car which worked out well. The trail is very wide so there were no branches, etc. to do damage to clothing.
The drive up is quite impressive. At one point on the road my heart dropped and I had a sudden fear of heights, but that quickly passed and I got to take in some great views. The elevation gain from the bottom of the trail to the lake may only be 280 ft, but the lake does sit high at an elevation of 9750 feet, so expect some thin air.
I have to say it was a bit surreal seeing the ski lift chairs and signs for runs with no snow on the mountains. There is a hearty bed of wildflowers covering the mountainside, which serve as a great hearthstone to views of Devil's Castle.
I've realized, and possibly more so on this hike than others, we keep trying to take pictures to show how impressive the views are, but keep coming up short and only seem to really end up with pictures of piles of rocks that seem to blend together. With landscape this vast and impressive, it really has to be experienced. The camera lens does little to convey the experience of feeling so small and yet so on top of the world all at the same time. This is one of those trips, from the incredible height of the pine trees, to the incredible panoramic views of the surrounding mountains that just needs to be soaked in.
Apparel: Skinny jeans, black Yoko Ono t-shirt, lime green trench coat
Shoes: 4" canvas wedges
Directions: Follow Little Cottonwood Canyon until you can't go anymore. Just past Alta Ski Resort, the road turns into a rather rough gravel road. While it lacks major craters, the plethora of small divots makes it treacherous, take your time. You'll make a few hairpin turns and then keep ascending. You'll crest at the trailhead for Lake Catherine, if you need to visit a restroom, this is the closest one. Continue on the gravel road just a small way further and you'll come to the parking lot for the trailhead at the Albion Basin campsite. Signage was plentiful, but there have been reports of missing markers.
One of the hardest things about wearing heels most of the day is walking in flats for an extended period of time. However, after sustaining a large cut and bruise on my leg from a non-hiking related incident [sometimes you have to sacrifice for a great photo op] I felt it best that I make this hike in tennis shoes. With the straight incline, my calves and shins were screaming, but the views made it worth it. Had I worn heels on the way up, my legs would have loved me, but they would have cried on the descent.
Forget a stairmaster, Mill D is uphill ... one way. A constant incline, you definitely feel it in your thighs, but the grade is not so severe to say that it's difficult. There is one dip just past a grove of Aspens where the path meets the creek, but that is your only ascent on the way back. The disparity in travel time: 57 minutes up and a mere 37 minutes back.
At the top of Mill D, the trail splits; stay to the right and you'll end up at Desolate Lake in 1.5 miles. Stay to the left and you'll make it to Dog Lake in 0.6. The sign was severely damaged when I made it, but others have carved directions into the post if you get confused. To much disappointment, it became clear as the clouds took on a pinkish hue that my race against the sun would not allow me to choose either path. It will have to be revisited when I have more daylight.
The aspens mixed in with the pines bring in some of that intoxicating pine fragrance found in the Donut Falls path. The path follows the edge of the mountain with a rushing creek below, which meets the path at about the 40 minute mark. The incredible variety of flora, the deep rust and copper color of the rocks in the bed of the creek, and groves of trees make this hike worth the thigh master burn. I did run into a deer on my way down, but she was kind enough to let me have the right of way.
The path is used substantially by bikers. While hikers do have the right of way, I was more than happy to step aside as they were coming down the path knowing that they were managing more with that kind of descent than I was on foot.
Apparel: Black Gap Lounge Pants, Gray South Brunswick Basketball t-shirt, Black Military Style Zip-Up Jacket.
Shoes: Orange, Black & Gray New Balance cross trainers.
Directions: 9.6 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Trailhead is on the north side of the road. There is sufficient parking. The trail is well marked and worn approximately 1.8 miles from the trailhead. The elevation gain is 1520 feet to 8760 feet.
I decided to don my tennis shoes and hit the City Creek Canyon Trail. My experience at the end of the Freedom trail led me to believe that it would be somewhat difficult, however, that was not the case. Given the sheer length, the narrowness of the path, and the rocky bits, I've gone ahead and left it at a 2 heel rating.
Expecting a mostly arid hike, I was pleasantly surprised that in the areas where small streams or tributaries to the creek ran past the path, were plentiful with greenery, wildlife, and tons of insects.
Yes, bugs. No, I'm not a bug girl, but it's been so long since I've really seen any, that I was so excited to see Dragon Flies the size of humming birds and grasshoppers jumping from one tall grass to another.
I even found myself in the same state of those tourists in Central Park who would get so excited over seeing a squirrel! Three different gray squirrels had crossed my path. It's been so long since I've seen one, that I was literally trying to coax them into posing for a photo. Unlike the Manhattan variety, they hadn't quite learned the benefit of being people friendly. I also saw lizards, heard birds chirping, and even happened upon a wild turkey.
The foliage was amazing. Plants I hadn't seen before, plants I had seen before, there were even apple trees that will produce a full harvest this fall. All along the trail you can hear the creek babbling along, in some parts more loudly than others.
There are two choices for making your way up through the canyon, one is the paved road that hugs the shore of the creek, and the other is a footpath that runs along the rim of the canyon, just above the roadway. If you start on one and decide to switch to the other, no worries. There are 23 rest areas along the road with pathways to both the road and the trail, providing restrooms, drinking water, and picnic tables. The footpath ends just inside 
the watershed area, about 3 miles in. I decided to take the roadway back just to see what I had missed by choosing the other path. My preference: The footpath. Most of the creek is protected by foliage so walking on the road you get few glimpses of the babbling brook, a lot of the same glimpses you get from the height of the footpath. The 6 miles took approximately 2 hours 45 minutes, a leisurely pace with plenty of stops for photos and wildlife -coaxing.
Apparel: Charcoal and yellow Adidas pants, black tank, grey boatneck sweatshirt.
Shoes: New Balance charcoal and yellow running shoes.
Directions: The footpath trail head can only be accessed by car from 11th and B street - on Bonneville Blvd., a one-way street. Park near the Bonneville Shoreline Trailhead. On the West Side of City Creek Canyon road, is a trailhead to the Bonneville Shoreline, which has the markings of a bike path. A ways up the path the two paths split. The "keep it pure" trail continues north while the Bonneville Shoreline Trail cuts off to the left. This portion of the City Creek trail is foot traffic only and no pets, as it belongs to part of the protected watershed.
When I checked my mail this afternoon, the anniversary of 9/11 edition of TIME magazine had arrived. I can't believe it's been 10 years. I remember clearly standing at my parents house in Jersey watching the television, and later seeing smoke rise from the banks of Metuchen. So many were effected then, and I keep crossing paths with so many who are still suffering the repercussions of that day. Therefore, I thought it fitting that today's hike be on the Freedom Trail along City Creek in downtown Salt Lake.
....okay, so maybe I really was looking for the head of the City Creek Trail, but turned down the wrong road....
But I think it was fortuitous that what I found was the Freedom Trail and that it was the beginning of the trail that I intended to hike. The Freedom Trail head is in the North of Memory Park. The trail was created with the intention of giving space and time to reflect on the sacrifices of those who have secured and protected, and gave all for our freedom.
Memory Park is just north of the Church Office Building. Street Parking is limited and that's your only parking option. The Trail has a leash free segment for those who love to bring Fido along, and also as a warning for those who don't appreciate Fido. There are a lot of dogs on this trail.
The doggie zone, as we'll call it, is a very easy walk-in-the-park, if you will. Once the doggie zone ends, things get a little more interesting. The path is obviously worn, but the overgrowth and brush along this later portion suggests that it is not a popular as its preceding yardage. The path is VERY narrow at some points, and drops off down to the gurgling water below. Yes, I was wearing my 4 1/2" red patent peeptoe platform mary janes, and I could do it! I do have to say that I was doing some fancy steppin' on those sections and wasn't sure if I could get down where I had gone up. It would be wise to wear something a little more sensible. The overall trip took me just over an hour.
The path rises and falls, dips and dives, and then suddenly seemed to end. Okay, so it didn't end, I just acknowledged defeat and decided that the sheer cliffside I needed to climb down was better done in tennis shoes. The good news is, where I ended, is where the hike I wanted to be on begins! So more on that tomorrow.
Apparel: Dark Blue Skinny Jeans with White Top Stitching, Army green t-shirt, red Carmel hoodie.
Shoes: 4.5" cherry red peeptoe platform mary janes
Directions: Take North State Street one block and turn right on 2nd Street. Take a quick left onto E 120 Street. Follow to the gates to Memory Park, cross your fingers to find parking. The trail head is at the North end of the park where the trees get dense.
The Freedom Trail is a lovely monument to those who have fought for our freedoms. Remember all those who've sacrificed so much for what we enjoy this weekend as we remember on this Patriot's Day on Sunday.
Also ... shout out to State Fair which opened today --- check out the photography section if you get a chance ... any shots you see that don't really belong in UT, likely belong to me!
I did it! I made it to Donut Falls in great time, in good weather, and in my 4 inch canvas wedges. There are reasons this is a very popular hike. The tall evergreens intermingled among the aspens fragrant the air in a soothing pine scent, an aroma therapy you can't beat. The rhythm of your feet on a well packed trail compliments the babbling water below, enticing you toward the source.
The incline is gradual making it a nice evening hike. My roundtrip time from trailhead to the falls took about 1 hour 5 minutes, allowing time for photos, waiting for youth groups to clear out of shots, and allowing others to come down the falls before proceeding upwards.
I was successful in hiking up and scaling the falls with dry feet in my wedges, but like many hiking shoe clad patrons, the way down was a bit of a splash. Overall, the hike was rewarding but not horribly demanding. A great hike for families. I've seen some recommending the same for the elderly, while the walk up would fit, getting to la piece de resistance requires climbing down some boulders. So unless grandma is quite flexible, leaving her before the falls might be a bit of a let down.
Apparel: Adidas track pants and John Lennon 1974 Worn Free Hoodie.Shoes: Green camo canvas 4" wedges
Directions: I-215 to exit 6, South on Route 190, turn right into Big Cottonwood Canyon. The road to the trail head is 9 miles up the canyon across from the Mill D trail head [about a 18 minute drive]. There is a huge "Permit Required" sign at the entrance of the road -- note that requirement applies to winter camping. Proceed up the road at 20 mph, through the private driveway area, and onto a graveled road. The gravel road has several potholes that come up suddenly on the way up and are more obvious on the way down. Parking is very limited at the trail head, though on a weekday evening night, there should be ample room. Note that the gate to the trail closes at 10PM so make sure you have enough time to make it up and back so you're not locked in!
Today I made my second attempt at finding and hiking the Donut Falls Trail. Chalk it up to the naivete of a city girl in the country, but note that GPS, Smartphones, and the like do not get reception in Big Cottonwood Canyon! I rarely print out directions to things because I always have my iPhone, which in this rare instance, failed me. While I remembered the description of the trail head, I failed to pay attention to just how far up the Canyon it was.
Yesterday, as it turns out, I was nearly there, however, I turned around thinking that perhaps that when I read Mill D, that I actually read Mill B, which comes up at about the 5 mile mark. Turns out the right mark is Mill D which is about 9 miles up.
One of the difficulties of trying to fit in hikes right after work is that I am not only trying to find trail heads, but also racing the sun. Today I made it the 9 miles up to the trail head just in time, with about 45 minutes of daylight to go, when I was met with lightening, hail and rain. Admittedly, I'm a chicken when it comes to thunderstorms.
So hopefully the third time will be the charm and I'll make it on the trail tomorrow.
I do have to say, the drive is fantastic, with all the twists and turns in the road, it was a great opportunity to see how my S40 handles. It made me love my car even more. I do not recommend racing the roads, or checking lipgloss in the mirror as you drive. There are many bikers, hikers, and other vehicles that make multi-tasking far too risky. But I do recommend cranking up the radio, enjoying the view, and leaning into some great hairpin turns.
As a BYU Alum, I'm a bit ashamed to say that this was my second hike. There's the obvious reason that, well, it's the University of Utah's "U", but mostly because --- really? This is what you call "hiking the U"???
You would think a symbolic rite of passage would require more of its patrons. I hate to say it, but websites like www.byurejects.com seem appropriate at this time.
While the Block U sits 5300 feet above sea level, don't let it fool you. I would have given this hike 5 heels, but I couldn't waste the treasured 5 heels on this one. A beautiful drive, and mostly a drive, the trailhead for this hike is in a private neighborhood. That is it's completely paved, as in you are literally walking on the street --- for a mere 1/4 mile round trip. The difficult part --- driving up there.
Apparel: Capri Jeans, Audrey Hepburn t-shirt
Shoes: 3 inch Green Peeptoe Wedges
Don't even think of bringing a water bottle. You'll be done before you twist the cap off.
Directions: Go West on South Temple. Turn right on Virginia Street. Follow Virginia Avenue straight North and around until you come to a T and turn right on Chandler Street. Turn right on Tomahawk Dr. Be aware of no parking signs at the top of the cul-de-sac.
Given this is UT, I thought it appropriate that I start at the very beginning. Or at least the symbolic beginning.
Ensign Peak, 1,080 feet above the valley is where Brigham Young stood with others on 26 July 1847 to survey the valley and to begin to make plans for the settlement of this area.
My research beforehand led me to believe that this hike was an easy walk in the park. While the trail is unencumbered and fairly straight forward, they failed to mention the steep incline. I was cautious and put on tennis shoes, and rightly so. The trail is mostly fine dirt and loose gravel making it a bit slick in the dry heat. The views, however are lovely. Hovering over the Capitol Building and seeing the developments beyond, you get a sense of what these men had envisioned so long ago.
Apparel: Yoga pants and t-shirt.
Shoes: New Balance running shoes
For those of you coming from the East ... take your time. The incline literally takes your breath away. On my way down I ran into some mid-westerners who were also having difficulty with the thin air. I'm hoping for myself that I will become acclimated as I hike more at this altitude.
At only 1 mile round trip, the hike is relatively short. I suggest bringing a camera and leaving the water bottle at the car.
Directions: Follow State Street North. Turn right (East) when you reach the Capitol Building and continue going north and more north (East Capitol Boulevard). Follow it up the hill to the north and then turn left onto North Sandrun Road. Follow that road west to the LDS Church house. The trailhead is in the back of the church parking lot, where it abuts Ensign Vista Drive.
An East Coast transplant to this mountainous desert, I am not what you would call a hiker. Until now, my idea of a hike was from the West Village to the upper Upper West Side, in heels of course. Flat and concrete has been my ideal trek.
However, having grown up in the wooded suburbs, I remember long walks through natural landscapes with fondness. Therefore, I invite you on this journey with me, to conquer the desert scape, to see amazing horizon views, and to do so with the inexperienced hiker in mind.
The goal ... to hike all known trails in UT, starting with Salt Lake Valley.
Insane, I know. But so is hiking in heels.
The Rating System:
1 Heel -- Hiking shoes requried
2 Heels -- Tennis Shoes or flats
3 Heels -- 1 inch heel or wedges
4 Heels -- 2 inch heel or wedges
5 Heels -- 3 inch or higher
Just to be clear ... the general terrain is not necessarily suitable for heels. This dry dessert scape lacks the friction for their sleek bottoms, so I don't imagine having a lot of 4-5 heel hikes, but where such exist, you can bet I will be wearing mine.
“Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” ~Emerson
Fortunately, because of the position of the trail, a small "creek bed" had formed in the middle of the trail, which I was able to wedge my left heel into while I took a step forward with my right. I literally inched my way down each of those three hills. I seriously worried that my heels would break, that I would find an even more slick surface on the next ridge, and that ultimately, I would be unable to get back at all let alone before the sunset.
