Bunker and Castle Creeks

Ever since fishing Castle Creek three weeks ago, Kent has been studying Google Earth for other small streams that might hold trout.  Bunker Creek always seemed like a good option, but from past experiences we knew the road was a "bear" and so we had never explored its upper regions.  While doing his "due diligence" in researching the stream he read that the road had recently been graded and so the seed was planted - we had a plan!  Bunker Creek turned out to be a bust for fish, but "Oh, my!" was it ever adorned with gorgeous wildflowers showing off all their beauty.

After exploring the area, we completed our day by traveling over one ridge to Castle Creek where we knew fish resided.  We weren't disappointed!  What a great way to spend the day and beat the Hurricane Valley heat.

Kent has always been about curious the upper end of Bunker Creek, so pretty!
(Notice this shallow pond was formed by a beaver dam)

Indian Paintbrush

We call this "skunker" Bunker Creek, no sign of fish & no fault of the dog! 

Pretty Columbine growing among the Heartleaf Arnica on the hillside above the creek

We took another road to the west and came across Deer Creek

More Columbine!

Castle Creek has fish . . . Chipper is just waiting for the action to begin!

Shooting Stars were in full bloom

Swallowtail butterfly feeding on some Heartleaf Bittercress

Kent felt a good tug on his line . . . 

A fish out of water!

A nice sized Bonneville Cutthroat trout for Castle Creek

There were a few Elephant Head stalks growing near the creek

 Chipper had such a good time today, he didn't want to go home . . .
kinda looks like a rebellious kid, huh?!  

All good things must come to an end . . . we will be back,
it's a fun place to be on a hot summer day! 

Little Shelly - Another View

Kent has been enjoying a book by Frank Boreham that is titled "The Other Side of the Hill."  In the introduction Mr. Boreham says, "It is always worth while seeing a peak from the other side, even if that side was windswept, bleak, and bare."  His point being that to get a true perspective of a mountain it must be viewed from all angles.  And for Little Shelly this couldn't be more true!

You may remember we tried hiking Little Shelly in May (click here for that post), but were unable to make the summit due to the unrelenting bushwhacking that was involved.  We turned around less than .30 of a mile from the top with little thought of ever returning.

Oh, what a difference a trail (from the other side), an encouraging friend, and a beautiful day make.  Tom and Lola joined us for this unforgettable summit that is tucked away in a little visited area of the north Tushars.  Don't miss out on this southern Utah gem . . . you will be rewarded with outstanding views . . . and a picture gallery of memories that will last for a long time.

The Cove Creek Trail starts near Manderfield Reservoir . . .
and while it doesn't go all the way to the summit . . .
it is the "best" way to hike Little Shelly

Within minutes we came across this bear track . . . yikes!
(Notice the little track inside the bigger print)

After a mile of fairly level walking we quickly began to gain elevation . . .
and the views began to open up!

What a difference a trail with switchbacks can make!
(Little Shelly in the background)

Tom spotted this Bench Mark (from 1936) on the ridgeline saddle
 that separates Beaver and Piute Counties

Mt. Baldy (12,122 ft)
Kent has always wanted to hike this peak, but there's no easy approach

This bowl opened up before us with unique rock formations

Some were odd shaped and colorful

What a view!
That's Little Shelly in the foreground on the right
(click on the picture for an expanded view)

Here we are with Mt. Belknap (12,137) and Mt. Baldy in the distance

Now we are on the west side of the bowl working our way towards Little Shelly
This area had some unusual black volcanic sand

Looking back at the unique formations that "fall away" into the bowl

Can you see Tom?  He's standing on the cliff below Little Shelly
(He's smiling . . . really he is!)

Walking the ridgeline between the two mountains (no trail)
Sooner or later, we knew there had to be some bushwhacking!

Looking back from where we have come . . .
The trail wrapped around the backside of this mountain and then headed north . . .
From here one just follows the ridgeline to the top of Little Shelly

Yes, it is steep and we can't quite see the top from here . . .
Time for a break before making the final ascent!

Hiking on talus sounds like walking on broken dishes

Awesome views along the way

This snag has stood the test of time

This pretty Callippe Fritillary was up on the summit of Little Shelly

Tom and Lola taking a well deserved break on the top (9,900) . . .
Lola was hoping to have a bite of Tom's pork loin sandwich . . .
She got a piece . . . Grey Poupon and all!

The Tushar Mountains offer outstanding views
(click on the picture to open in a panoramic format)

Well, it's time to begin our descent . . .
Mt. Belknap and Mt. Baldy tower over Manderfield Reservoir 

We decided to drop off the side and make a loop rather than backtrack . . .
Whose idea was this, anyway?  This was one of the steepest bushwhacks ever! 
 It was beyond brutal . . .

Tom and Kent did not fare well on the descent . . .
(Hey, Tom, where are your sunglasses?)
  Notice, Allison is not in this picture! HA!
Somehow she escaped unscathed!  Woohoo!

If you are interested in doing this hike (which we highly recommend), please click here to get details from Tom's Peakbagger.com entry that maps and documents our route.  For our hike, round-trip distance was about six miles.

Sidney Peaks

We've lived in southern Utah almost twenty-three years.  How have we missed this gem of a hike?  As we've said quite often in the last several posts, "Just when you think you've seen it all, something like this unexpected beauty comes up."  The pictures in this post don't due justice to the amazing scenery and spectacular views you will enjoy on this easy to get to adventure.

Sidney Peaks (which are actually three separate small peaks) can be accessed either from the south, just before the last turn on the road that ascends Brian Head Peak or off the Sidney Valley road which comes in from the north.  As we got a late start, we decided to come in from Sidney Valley as this route is shorter (four miles round-trip).

After this most enjoyable hike, we still had plenty of time left in the afternoon to cast a few lines in Castle Creek.  Although fishing with Chipper is a challenge, we managed to catch a few Bonneville Cutthroat and a Tiger trout.  What a great way to end the day!

Once we arrived at the parking area,
we followed a little trail off to our right which gave us a view of Sidney Peaks

The parking area is over 10,000 ft in elevation . . .
Looking to the west, the ridge drops off in cliff fashion to provide dramatic views!

The Brian Head fire started on June 17, 2017 and burned over 71,000 acres
How beautiful this area must have been before the fire?

Natural beauty left after the fire . . .
You can almost imagine a woodworker using a torch to char the tree

The trail passes through a couple of meadows as it works it's way to a saddle . . . 
Pictured here are Middle and North Sidney Peaks

Here's a panoramic view as we left the trail to summit our first of two Sidney Peaks
(clicking on the picture will open it in a landscape format)

Views from Middle Sidney Peak (11,030) . . .
We are headed for the those other two peaks, which make up North Sidney Peak . . .
In the distance is Yankee Meadow Reservoir

Looking at Brian Head Peak (11,306) off to the south

We enjoyed walking through several snowbanks . . .
Chipper enjoyed eating the snow!

Do you see Kent & Chipper?
They are on top of North Sidney Peak

Taking a break at 11,000 ft . . . Brian Head Peak in the distance

This Black Swallowtail butterfly caught my eye . . . he just sat there!

Here's the three of us enjoying a perfect day

Heading back down through the meadow 

Even in the burn scar one can still find some beauty

Doesn't Chipper look excited?  He loves water!
Come on Dad, let's get that line wet!

Fishing Castle Creek . . . what an absolutely beautiful stream!

Chipper is not exactly the "ideal" fishing dog!
He came up just a "little short" on his jump across the creek!

Allison's catch of the day . . . a Bonneville Cutthroat trout! 

I was so excited to see this beautiful Shooting Star!

This Tiger trout really gave Kent a challenge . . .
Tiger trout are a cross between a female brown and male brook trout

Walking along and fishing Castle Creek . . .
What a perfect way to end a perfect day!