This week's Utah hike
This week’s Utah hike
BY STEVE BAKER Clipper Staff Writer
Bowman Fork to White Fir Pass: Mill Creek Canyon, Salt Lake County
STEVE BAKER/Davis Clipper
The shady Bowman Fork Trail follows the stream for a while, then switchbacks away for White Fir Pass. Hike questions: [email protected]
Difficulty Elevation gain Round-trip miles Hiking time Dogs allowed Trailhead restrooms
Moderate 1,507 ft. 4.5 3 to 4 hours Yes Yes (Terraces)
Start hiking from the Mill Creek Road. It’s possible to drive up to Terraces Picnic area, but you need to be early or you will have a hard time finding a parking place. I started on the road and hiked to the Terraces Picnic area. Hike past the restroom and look for the trail sign on the left. If you’re hiking with a dog, pick up some baggies too. The trail splits immediately, go right for Bowman Trail at the wooden retaining wall. The trail traverses the side of the mountain in shade, then drops to the stream. The trail stays close to the stream and crosses it three times. You enter Mt. Olympus Wilderness Area. At the last crossing the trail leaves the stream and heads for the first switchback before White Fir Pass. This section is the steepest part of the hike. The trail turns sharply left and becomes less steep on the first switchback. On the second switchback, the trail opens to a nice view of Mill Creek Canyon. When the trail flattens out and you see a sitting log under a large conifer, you have arrived at White Fir Pass. Looking west you see Thayne Peak across from Porter Fork. If you feel like more hiking, Baker Spring and Baker Pass is up the trail. Enjoy! Mill Creek Road
To Salt Lake
P
Po Fo rter rk
P Parking Trail junction
Start 5,997 ft. Bow m Fork an Trail
White Fir Pass
es rac Ter Trail
End 7,584 ft. To Baker Pass
From Wasatch Blvd. and 3800 South, drive up Mill Creek Canyon and park at one of the lots near to the Terraces trailhead. Start hiking from Mill Creek Road, as parking at Terrace picnic area fills quickly.
BY STEVE BAKER Clipper Staff Writer
Bowman Fork to White Fir Pass: Mill Creek Canyon, Salt Lake County
STEVE BAKER/Davis Clipper
The shady Bowman Fork Trail follows the stream for a while, then switchbacks away for White Fir Pass. Hike questions: [email protected]
Difficulty Elevation gain Round-trip miles Hiking time Dogs allowed Trailhead restrooms
Moderate 1,507 ft. 4.5 3 to 4 hours Yes Yes (Terraces)
Start hiking from the Mill Creek Road. It’s possible to drive up to Terraces Picnic area, but you need to be early or you will have a hard time finding a parking place. I started on the road and hiked to the Terraces Picnic area. Hike past the restroom and look for the trail sign on the left. If you’re hiking with a dog, pick up some baggies too. The trail splits immediately, go right for Bowman Trail at the wooden retaining wall. The trail traverses the side of the mountain in shade, then drops to the stream. The trail stays close to the stream and crosses it three times. You enter Mt. Olympus Wilderness Area. At the last crossing the trail leaves the stream and heads for the first switchback before White Fir Pass. This section is the steepest part of the hike. The trail turns sharply left and becomes less steep on the first switchback. On the second switchback, the trail opens to a nice view of Mill Creek Canyon. When the trail flattens out and you see a sitting log under a large conifer, you have arrived at White Fir Pass. Looking west you see Thayne Peak across from Porter Fork. If you feel like more hiking, Baker Spring and Baker Pass is up the trail. Enjoy! Mill Creek Road
To Salt Lake
P
Po Fo rter rk
P Parking Trail junction
Start 5,997 ft. Bow m Fork an Trail
White Fir Pass
es rac Ter Trail
End 7,584 ft. To Baker Pass
From Wasatch Blvd. and 3800 South, drive up Mill Creek Canyon and park at one of the lots near to the Terraces trailhead. Start hiking from Mill Creek Road, as parking at Terrace picnic area fills quickly.
