Willow Lake Fall Colors in Big Cottonwood Canyon

[MtnMatt]

Great hike for enjoying fall colors in Utah. We started in the neighborhood across and just up the road from the Silver Fork Lodge in Big Cottonwood. Since there is no parking available at this trail head we just parked along side the road and then started walking up through the neighborhood until it turned into a dirt road after a little bit the dirt road becomes a trail. This is the only moderately steep climb and it's brief. Then its a pleasant walk through the trees basically running parallel with the canyon road somewhere below. There is another trail to the same place a little further up the canyon. I haven't been on this trail but I've been told its a little shorter but steeper route. Both trail heads can be found about 11 miles up the canyon to the residential trail head or 0.3 miles further to the actual trail head. You will see a stone sign marking the upper trail head. This is an easy hike and was a great way to spend the evening. The trees were in full autumn splendor and the air temp was perfect. Most of the hike is in the trees and other than the beautiful colorful leaves and ground foliage there are not really many views of the peaks and ridges until just before the lake, then we break out into a large open meadow perfect for my son to try out his boomerang brought to him all the way from Australia by his cousin. While he and his brothers are throwing the boomerang around this was a great opportunity to take some pics of the ridge up and across the canyon. This was an amazing view and the only problem for photography was you can see some of the lift lines and stuff at Solitude. After playing in the meadow for a while we had a short uphill walk to the lake. Lots of photo ops here. This is such a short and easy hike and the scenery so good that you will want to bring your tripod along and do it right. from here we had a brisk walk back to the car and were enjoying nachos and cokes at the pub in Trolley Square. Then 30 minutes to home and Kids in bed by 11. Yep, perfect day











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[Nick]

Very nice!

 

[nonameiwant]

Fantastic! I love the Willow Lake area.