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This
was my first hike out with my friend who had been bugging me to go.
The trail started at the
Sunnyside lot on the Albion Basin Road. Soon after hitting the trail
it started to climb, up the side of the basin, then down a little
bit then back up another steep hill where it levels off to a nice view
of the basin, Devils Castle, The Sugarloaf, and Mt Baldy.
After taking in the view, it's up another steep incline, to a mountain meadow
with a beautiful view of wild flowers, and the back side of Mt. Wolverine.
As
you cross the meadow you will come to a 90 degree turn, and a set of
switchbacks. After the switchbacks you climb one more hill and you
are there. Catherine Pass has an elevation of 10,220 feet with great views of the
Brighton Lakes Trail, Lake Catherine, and Sunset Peak. Being an
outdoors lover this was superb. The temperature was 79 degrees, far
better than the 100 degree temps we were having in the valley.
A
Falcon was hunting something on the side of Sunset Peak, we watched
as it floated around the peak looking for what we believe were Deer Mice.
Seeing as we had plenty of daylight, we decided to make for Sunset
Pass. This hill is really steep, but that is not the hard part,
there is a sand/dirt mix on the trail, it really slows you down.
Imagine walking on a beach but instead of the flat sand, a vertical climb as you sink.
As we left the vertical beach behind,
we came to a pass that we could see Mt Timpanogos, and most of
American Fork canyon. Then up
another small incline and behold - Sunset Pass. This had an even better
view of the Brighton Lakes, and the wind kept the flying critters
at bay. Finding time to unwind up here was really worth the hoof up
that sandy incline. Cliff Bars, some Pistachios, and water made for
our little feast at the top. What a beautiful day. This is a hike
I recommend to everyone. It does have some steep grades, but
they are not to
long and give you a taste of being on top of it all. This hike is
the one that started it all for me, so I am partial in saying it is
one of my favorites. I think if you give this one a go, it will be a
favorite of yours too.
Directions And Trail Stats
Little Cottonwood Canyon- Trail Head-Sunnyside lot, Albion Basin,
Alta
Distance to Catherine Pass- 1.5 miles
Elevation Gain- 1200 vertical feet to 10,220
Hiking Time- 1hr 10 min
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