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Show TTp H(Qi iHliCces nro caracil otromocSl U)olr& CounHv Summer hiking trails are calling " once again, offering adventure, spectacular spec-tacular vistas and opportunities to .view Utah's magnificent wildlife. With ,many destinations awaiting this summer, sum-mer, provided are a few personal favorites worth exploring. 1) Mount Timpanogos Summit-Perhaps Summit-Perhaps one of the area's most popular hikes is the summit of Mt., -Timpanogos, where views are spectacular spectac-ular and wildlife is abundant. This 10.5-mile hike takes folks through the Mt. Timpanogos Wilderness Area, and shares the route with horseback riders. rid-ers. Mountain bikes and campfires, on the other hand, are not allowed. Group sizes should be limited to 15 with a recommended limit of eight. This one usually opens up in late June or early July and can best be accessed from the Timpanookee Trailhead, just eight miles from American Fork Canyon's fee station along the Alpine Loop. Although this route is longer than from the Aspen Grove Trailhead, it is also less steep. Popular stops include Emerald Lake, Scout Falls and the snowfield below the summit. 2) Timpanogos Cave- This is a very popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The destination is a beautiful beau-tiful cave at the top of a 1.5-mile hike. A paved trail makes access easier, but it is a steep route for some recreation-ists. recreation-ists. Strollers, horses and motorized vehicles are not allowed and it is highly high-ly recommended that you make reservations reser-vations early to guarantee your spot on these often sold-out cave tours. Educational signs offer information about the area and resting benches are numerous. Special cave tours are worth asking for when you make your reservations at (801)756-5238. 3) Provo River Parkway- This is a very popular route, which takes travelers trav-elers through Provo Canyon to Utah Lake State Park. Stops along the way include an abundance of parks, Bridal Veil Falls, and fishing holes along the river. This paved path begins at Vivian Park, where the Heber Valley Railroad ends, although starting points await at almost every park along the way. This one is great for young bikers, as it is relatively level and safe for families with children. A small spur near the State Park leads visitors along the shoreline of Utah Lake. Trail planners hope that this arm will eventually link the Provo River Parkway to the Jordan River Parkway. 4) Cascade Springs- This pleasant retreat is a joy for families seeking a leisurely stroll around the dancing waters. Just over a half mile in length, fish dart from pool to pool and signs teach visitors more about the hydrology hydrolo-gy of this tranquil area. Much of the trail is wheelchair accessible and great for anyone who wants a break from the sweltering summer heat in the valley. To reach Cascade Springs, , follow the Alpine Loop approximately 10.9 miles from the fee station up the South Fork of American Fork Canyon. Look for the signs near the top for the trailhead turnoff. Several moose may make an appearance as you drive to this location. 5) Silver Lake- No list would be complete without the improved Silver Lake Trail, just above Silver Lake Flat. This improved trail takes visitors on a gentle ascent to a shimmering Silver Lake, where hungry small trout snatch flies and mosquitoes off the water's surface. It is a great hike through Lone Peak Wilderness and displays a wealth of mining history as you climb to the top. I have many fond memories of the fragrances blowing off the hillsides during my evening hikes in mid-summer. To reach this one, take the North Fork of American Fork Canyon past Tibbie Fork Reservoir and towards Granite Flat Campground. Just before the campground camp-ground a dirt road heads north 3.8 miles to the north side of the reservoir for the trailhead parking and rest-rooms. rest-rooms. 6) Jordan River Parkway- This is a great nearby destination with almost year round access. Sections of this trail feature an abundance of wildlife viewing, quiet reflection, and stunning views. Shared with mountain bikes, skaters, and horseback riders this 6.4-mile 6.4-mile paved trail is extremely level and great for those pushing strollers and walking with little ones. Fishing along the way is warming up with the increasing temperatures and access points exist near the inlet at Utah Lake, near Willow Park, off Highway 73 and the historic bridge at 9600 North. For those who want a horseback horse-back adventure, but lack a horse, Sunrise Riding Stables, located near the Jordan Narrows, offers horse rentals for use along this scenic route. 7) Donut falls- Another great family fami-ly destination awaits 0.8 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon. This relatively easy hike takes visitors to a great waterfall which plunges through a hole in the rock. Shared with mountain moun-tain bikers, all trail users should be - 7 V . : , , , I M , , , , ,,. -- y A family enjoys the Forest Lake hike. courteous along the way. Stinging nettle net-tle is abundant during the summer months, so be careful with your little ones on the path. These falls are very secluded and cannot be seen until you climb down into the narrow canyon and feel the refreshing mist, spraying from the falls. Lush green vegetation surrounds the waterway and children chatter with excitement as the falls are first viewed. Take the turnoff 9 miles up the canyon and begin your hike on the left side of the trail, once you reach the trailhead. 8) Albion Basin- This is a hike where the trail is the destination. Numerous paths take visitors through spectacular wildflower meadows full of brilliant colors and fragrances. From July through August visitors will want to bring a camera and plenty plen-ty of film to capture the memories of your adventure. Hummingbirds and deer frequent this area and wanderers may view remnants of the local mining history. Some trails lead to Secret Lake, Lake Catherine, and other nearby near-by destinations, offering an extended journey for those who want to see more of this area. Trails wander through the ski area and others cross the road to the south facing slopes of the canyon. To reach the trailhead, drive 8.3 miles up Little Cottonwood Canyon to the upper parking lots of the Alta Ski area. A dirt road opens with the campgrounds above, offering another trailhead stop higher in elevation. eleva-tion. 9) Forest Lake- Forest Lake is a great trail for hikers, mountain bikers, horses and ATV trail riders. This 1.9 mile route heads east from the trail-head, trail-head, just before reaching Mineral Basin. It passes hillsides full of bluebells blue-bells in mid to late June as it climbs to tranquil Forest Lake. No fish await visitors in this lake, so leave your fishing fish-ing rod at home, unless you plan on fishing American Fork Creek or Tibbie Fork Reservoir below. To reach the trailhead, follow the dirt road 4.2 miles east from Tibbie Fork Reservoir and look for the little pull out to park along the road. 10) Battle Creek Falls- This is a great lower elevation hike that takes children on a rugged trail, shared by mountain bikes and horses. The destination desti-nation overlooks magnificent waterfalls, water-falls, just 0.9 miles from the trailhead. It can be warm, so plan on hiking in the morning or early evening to best enjoy this route. Breather pipes splash bursts of water on little hands and a small cave provide great distractions while parents catch their breath. Trail access begins at Kiwanis Park, located at the east end of Battle Creek Road in Pleasant Grove. Outdoor & Travel Section Thursday, May 29, 2003 Page 1 9 |