A leisurely hike up Haystack Mountain to grab a few new geocaches is the area and enjoy a clear late summer day. The views up here never disappoint!

I had a fantastic hike here. Ran into a few folks but had it mostly to myself. Seems like I’m the only one who took the clockwise route but not sure it matters. There are still a few snow fields on the south side of Box Elder but most are easily traversed. I was happy to have the hiking poles, which made it a lot easier.

A great route that passes a few small lakes and traverses a section of the Wasatch Crest Trail. Access to Mill Canyon is $3 per vehicle paid on the way out (they take cash & card). The upper sections of the canyon are closed in the winter. I recommend hiking it on odd numbered days to avoid Mtn bike traffic - which is super heavy.

Park at the upper Bug Water Trailhead lot if you can but using the lower trailhead will only add a few hundred yards to the route. From the upper trailhead parking take the trail that goes up the old road for a bit until Little Water Trail splits off to the right.

The top of Desolation Peak is only a little extra from the Wasatch crest trail above Desolation lake and I highly recommend it on a clear day. There are opportunities for water all along the trail if you bring a filter.

This was a pretty brutal trip. It’s right at the limit of my skiing endurance right now. By the end the snow was clumping to my skis and I had blistered pinky toes. It was cool to explore the area between the mine Trail and Taylor Fork end of this ridge. There’s some really great skiing up here.

A rugged area with terrific views. There are a few springs along the way which flow most of the year but its best to bring plenty of water. This hike starts and ends in the Granite Flat campground. Along the way you’ll get amazing views of Box Elder Peak, Timpanogos, Utah Lake, Pfeifferhorn, Lone Peak, & White Baldy.

Snow was thick and sticky. Not as good as last week but still glad to be out.