Cottonwood Basin Trail

We've been trying to piece trails together that would allow us to circle the Tushar Mountains all above treeline.  Our plan for this segment was to hike out of Lake Stream Basin, pass through Cottonwood Basin and end up at the Alunite Trailhead.  It was a good plan until we met elk hunters who had a limited entry tag.  Not wanting to spoil their hunt, we cut our hike short at the ridge that separates Lake Stream Basin from Cottonwood Basin.  While not being able to complete this section, the hike allowed us to view the beautiful Cottonwood Basin.  It won't be long until we return to complete this trail!  

When we got back to our 4Runner we decided to go find what looks like a "waterfall" on Google Earth.  We were totally stunned to discover that Lake Stream reappears as a gently cascading waterfall out of a cliff below Puffer Lake.  How is it possible we have never heard or seen pictures of this gorgeous spot?  It capped off another good day in the Tushars!

Lake Stream begins in this meadow below Mt. Holly 

Not sure why the "20,"  but this is a year we will all remember

Trail 219 will take us to the Cottonwood Basin

I wish I had Chippers energy . . . he flys up the trails!

1½ miles later we reached the saddle between Lake Creek and Cottonwood Basins . . .
That's Mt. Holly (11,999) on the left

What a great lunch spot with amazing views of Cottonwood Basin . . .
Alunite trailhead is on the distant ridgeline just to the right of the center peak

Although we didn't complete our hike, we enjoyed our time here . . . we will return! 

Heading back down . . . City Creek Peak (11,165) can be seen (center) in the distance 

Chipper had his fill of fresh spring water today!

  The waterfalls of Lake Stream . . . what a beautiful spot!

 We have hiked along Lake Stream on previous hikes . . . 
 We had no idea this idyllic spot existed . . . it's a hidden gem!