Cottonwood Canyon Trail

Fall is our favorite time of year!  So, why not combine two of our favorite Fall things - hiking in the Tushar's and viewing the Fall colors?  With that in mind, we decided to finish another section of the Skyline Trail by hiking a three-mile portion (6-miles out and back) of the Cottonwood Canyon Trail.  Last year, we hiked into Cottonwood Basin from the south using the Lake Stream Trail, but had not completed the northern portion that takes one to the Alunite Trailhead.  It turned out to be a great plan and puts us one more leg closer to completing our circumference of the Tushar Mountains.  Needless to say, but the Fall foliage provided a very nice accent for a great hike!

On our way to the trailhead, we ran into fog near Bear Valley Junction on HWY 89 . . .
Not something you see. in Utah. everyday!

Driving up Cottonwood Creek Road . . . the aspens are changing . . . it looks like we're in for a treat!
(Peak 12002 is on the right . . . we hiked this peak two-weeks ago with Tom)

We parked at Kelsey Creek and walked FS 115 to the trailhead

If it weren't for this sign, we'd never know there was an actual trail here

 Cottonwood Canyon Trail zig zags around the southern base of the Delano-Brigham Ridge . . . 
For the most part, it stays at tree-line and provides spectacular unobstructed views!

This grouse blends in well with his surroundings . . .  he probably thinks we can't see him!

Further up the trail we spotted some deer . . . they kept a wary eye on us!

Mount Holly looks so different from the east side . . .
Three-weeks ago we were hiking and picking currants on the south side

We were surprised to see a few Sierra Larkspur still in bloom so late in the year

We have arrived at Cottonwood Basin . . .
This is where we stopped last year when we hiked the Lake Stream Trail coming from the south
(That's Delano Peak - 12,173 ft - in the very center of the picture) 

This beautiful basin gets it's name from Cottonwood Creek

We found some interesting rocks to sit on while we enjoyed a snack break

We love Fall and the aspens were just about perfect  

Looking back at Mount Holly, as we get near the Alunite trailhead

Although we gained 1,600 ft total ascent over the 3-miles,
for the most part, it was very gradual and didn't seem like that much!

Back on the road and heading to Kelsey Creek where we parked

We had fun exploring the Alunite Mine ruins on our way back out to the main road (FS 126)

The mine was in use from 1915-1930 
Alunite is an ore rich in aluminum & potash (aluminum sulfate)

Remnants of an old mining shack that is being encroached on by aspens

The aspens were so pretty, we decided to follow FS 126 to Marysvale

Almost down off the mountain and just about to come out at Miner's Park . . .
What a great day it has been!

Well, we're one-step closer to finishing our journey around the base of the Tushar Mountains . . . we still have two more sections to complete:  Alunite Trail to the Pocket and the Pipeline Trail.  It probably won't happen this year, but who's in a hurry!  It will mean two more great hikes in these favorite mountains of ours!