Scenic USA - Utah Sundial Peak |
Photos by Jack Brauer Jack Brauer Photography |
Within easy reach for over two million people in Ogden, Salt Lake City, Provo and the I-15 corridor, the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is classified as an urban national forest. Forest recreation opportunities cover the entire spectrum, and are best noted for camping, hiking, nature viewing, picnicking, scenic drives and winter sports.
Heading east out of the Great Basin area of Salt Lake City, the national forest signals an abrupt change in elevation. Just 15 miles from the metro area lies a series of unparalleled mountain views, snow skiing runs, summer vacation resorts, rock climbing adventures and a place for the radical sport of ice climbing.
Finding a vital source of water for early settlers, profitable resources of timber and granite helped settle and build the Salt Lake City area. Today, 85 percent of Utah's population lives just west of the Wasatch Range along the I-15 corridor. With this inviting mountain wilderness and urban forest within minutes, metro area residents are never at a loss for things to do. Here along Route 190, Big Cottonwood Canyon beckons with campsites, picnic areas and hiking trails. From the parking area of Mill B South, Trail #020 climbs to Lake Blanche, Lake Lillian, Dromedary Peak and this beautiful sunset view of Sundial Peak. Red glacial-scoured rock, enhanced with the setting sun, surrounds Lake Blanche. Viewed as a half day hike for those well conditioned hikers, it's possible for everyone to see all three lakes and have plenty of time to return. Although it's a strenuous hike on the way up, abundant wildlife, trees, wildflowers and enchanting views make this a memorable climb.
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