Shade Hikes

SHADE HIKES

Summer hikes don’t have to be long and hot.
Studio 5 Contributor, Sheryl McGlochlin, shares five shade hikes to help
you beat the August heat.


Broads Fork Trail

Approx. 5 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon
Moderate hike with elevation gain
Even though it’s a steeper trail, get acquainted with it and go just a little
ways.
Stop often, rest and take photos along the way!
Beautiful, thick, dense forest of Evergreen Trees
Perfect trail for hot summer days
A well-marked trail for all family members
Keep your eyes open for a huge rock with a hideout area, located about 1/2
mile into the hike
Discover a bridge and stream about 1.5 miles into the hike
Bonus: It’s a less traveled trail so enjoy a quiet, peaceful hike without lots
of traffic
Trailhead shares the parking lot with the popular Lake Blanche Trailhead.
To find the trail: At the parking lot, look to the west and find the Broads
Fork Trailhead sign
The Lake Blanche Trailhead is on the east, near the bathrooms.

Spruces to Donut Falls Trail

Approx. 12 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon
Easy, comfortable trail with little elevation gain
Thick Evergreen Forest with a well-marked trail
A perfect shady hike!
Less than 1 mile, one way, for length of this part of the trail
Want a longer hike? Head to Donut Falls on one end OR on the other end,
hike into Spruces Camp Ground
Less traveled trail since most people only hike on the popular Donut Falls
trail
One of my favorite, easy trails because I’ve never seen people on it and I
love taking groups on it!
Experience plenty of incredible scenery along with peace and quiet.
Easiest way to find the trail:
Turn off the main canyon road at Jordan Pines area, drive to Donut Falls
trailhead and park near the bathroom.
Within 10 – 20 ft. of passing the bathroom, while on the Donut Falls trail,
look for another well defined, side trail that cuts left, off the main trail.
There may or may not be a sign that says “Donut Falls to Spruces Trail”.

Lambs Canyon Trail

Trail located 2 miles up the Lambs Canyon Road
Look for a bathroom near the trailhead
Lambs Canyon exit is approx. 7 miles up Parleys Canyon (I-80 east)and just
2 miles further up the canyon from East Canyon exit
Moderate hike with good elevation gain
Even though it’s a little steeper trail in some places, it’s worth getting
acquainted!
This is an extremely lush green area of the Wasatch Mountains.
It’s a north-facing canyon which means the snow won’t melt until very late
in the spring or early summer.
It’s the perfect summer and fall hike due to all the thick foliage.
For sure bring your camera! You’ll feel like you are in Hawaii on parts of
this trail.
The trail is well-marked even though it’s a narrow trail due to all the
foliage.
Approx. 2 miles to the Lambs Canyon/Millcreek Canyon pass with 1500 ft.
elevation gain.
A beautiful “less traveled” trail that provides an abundance of peace and
quiet.
Look for a gentle stream near parts of the trail.

Mid Mountain Trail

Over 30 miles of trails mostly used by hikers and bikers
There are side trails that shoot out from the main trail so pay attention to
where you came from so you don’t get lost
Trail passes through 3 ski resorts: The Canyons, Deer Valley, and Park City
Keep an eye out for the occasional mountain biker
Don’t be intimidated by long trails like this, just focus on a small portion of
this hike if you like
Any part of this trail will give you a taste of the amazing beauty in this area
Mid Mountain Trail mainly stays around the 8000 ft. above sea level with
plenty of gentle dips and climbs
Trail is mostly forested with either aspen or fir.
Watch for occasional meadows which may be covered with wildflowers,
mostly penstemon and balsamroot.
Choke cherry bushes thrive among the aspens.
To find the trail, here is just one of the many ways to access:
If you choose to hike Mid Mountain via the Spiro Trail, turn right onto
Three Kings Drive from Silver King Drive. You will have just passed Park
City Mountain Resort’s parking area on Silver King Drive. Park on Three
Kings Drive, hike a tenth of a mile to the trailhead. You’ll find it next to
Crescent Drive.

Ferguson Canyon

Narrow, steeper canyon trail
Large impressive rocks
Popular area for rock climbers as well
Watch for the occasional small waterfall with lots of vibrant bright green
moss all around
Cliff areas – nice to look at but stay on the trail
Access this trail just south of the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon (on
7800 So. and Wasatch Blvd.)
This is a very shady lush green trail with lots of giant rocks and foliage
everywhere!

WARNING! Hiking and outdoor related sports can be dangerous. Be
responsible and prepare for your outing. Learn about the area you are
entering and plan accordingly. Dress for the current and unexpected
weather changes. Take plenty of water. Never go alone. Make an itinerary
with your plan(s), route(s), destination(s) and expected return time. Give
your itinerary to trusted family and/or friends.


For more information visit Sheryl’s website at:
www.LiveAndThrive.com

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