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artist:
Steve Baker
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| HIKE OF THE WEEK |
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Hike of the Week ran each week in the Salt Lake Tribune and Deseret News.
My job was to dream up the hikes, hike the trail, write it and produce all aspects for the presentation. |
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Angels Landing |
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| At the visitors center, talk to a park ranger about the trails. Rangers have a world of knowledge and can help you decide if Angels Landing is a good hiking choice for you and your family. From the visitors center, board the shuttle and get off at the Grotto stop. From the Grotto, cross the footbridge and go right on the West Rim Trail, which follows near the river. Then turn toward the cliffs and switchbacks up to Refrigerator Canyon. Enjoy the cooler temperatures and shade as the trail smooths out. Leaving Refrigerator Canyon, you arrive at Walters Wiggles. There are at least 20 switchbacks, zigzagging up a shoot to the ridgeline. You arrive at the trail junction for Angels Landing. Take the Angels Landing Trail. The trail climbs over rocks and boulders. For your safety, there are chains placed along dangerous areas. This hike is not recommended for families with small children because of slippery rocks and cliff drop-offs. On top there is a breathtaking view into the heart of Zion Canyon. Hikers are likely to get goose bumps at seeing such beauty. |
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17 lakes loop |
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| From Crystal Lake Trailhead, take the Notch Mountain Trail to Wall Lake. This trail is next to the horse ramp in the parking area. The trail heads north and goes between the Lily Lakes, on the way to Wall Lake. At 1 mile you arrive at the largest lake, Wall Lake. From Wall Lake the Notch Mountains are to the north. The depression in the mountains is called The Notch. The trail passes by a few unnamed lakes and switchbacks a cliff face to Hope Lake, at 2 miles. At 2.9 miles you arrive at The Notch. As soon as you arrive, go left on the mountain shelf and watch for cairns taking you down to Clyde Lake. Looking west from the shelf is Clyde Lake and Mount Watson. Looking below the shelf to the south is Twin Lakes. At 3.9 miles you arrive on the north side of Clyde Lake and the trail continues west along its bank. Clyde Lake is a great place to take a lunch break before you continue the hike. After Clyde Lake the trail turns south for Watson, Linear, Petite and Cliff lakes. At Cliff Lake look for rock climbers on the cliffs. The trail arrives at the Lakes Country Trail junction. At the junction, go left to complete the loop. This has to be one of the most beautiful hikes in the Uintas. Hike slowly and take in the beauty! |
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Spiral Jetty |
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| There's something magical about hiking on the Spiral Jetty. The salt crystals shimmer and glisten in a pinkish hue. Your mind tries to trick you into thinking you are hiking over ice, instead of salt. The lake level varies and covers the jetty some years, but this year it's fully exposed and beckons you to become a part of the art. The Spiral Jetty was constructed by Robert Smithson in April 1970. The artist used black basalt rocks and earth from the site to build the 1,500-foot-long earthwork. It coils counterclockwise into the Great Salt Lake like a huge bug antenna. As you drive to it, the last half-mile is very rough and you need a high-clearance vehicle to maneuver around the boulders. Do not take a car in this rough area. From the parking area, make your way down the lava boulders to the jetty. Make sure you bring a camera, because there are so many beautiful photo opportunities there. Where else can you see a rock wearing a salt crystal skirt? To make your hike longer and more interesting, hike up the hill for a 360-degree view. The hilltop is a peaceful place to have lunch with a spectacular view. Hiking on art, now that's a hike to remember. |
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| BACK TO STEVE'S HOME PAGE |
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©
Steve Baker, All Rights Reserved 2010
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