One of my goals at the beginning of the summer was to hit Millcreek, Big and Little Cottonwood, and Emmigration Canyons. The summer has come and gone and one canyon stood out, unclimbed by me, reminding me every time I drove up to Salt Lake for something. Even at night when I could not see it, shame came upon me when I thought of it. So after 5 rainy Saturdays in a row I had my shot today. I drove up to Sandy and up Big Cottonwood Canyon. It is definitely epic in length. When you pass the park ride lot at the bottom there is a sign challenging you to make it: Solitude 14 miles, Nordic Center 15 Miles, Brighton 15 Miles. At that point you know there is only up to go.
At the beginning of the day I was also hoping to get to Guardsman Pass and see if I could get over 9000ft in elevation. I hit the end of the road in Brighton and headed up to Guardsman. There was snow just after the Winter Maintenance Ends here sign. I road in just around a bend hoping that there was clear pavement ahead, but there was not. 23mm tires are really not effective in the snow, so I turned around and went down the hill fast. I made it to 8915ft, which is higher than I have climbed before. I guess I will have to top 9000ft next year. What a beautiful canyon and nice day. I am happy to be warm again now.
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