Winter Rec
If anybody ever wants to go ice climbing, Provo Canyon is probably the best place around. Close proximity to Provo, easy access, and overall good quality ice make this a popular place for ice climbers of all skill levels. The lower part of Stairway to Heaven (just before you get to Bridal Veil Falls) is a particular good place for beginners to learn. There are numerous routes that are top-ropeable with only a few ice screws needed (I’m told somewhere there are bolts to anchor off but you might have to do a lot of searching/unpleasant hacking to find them). There are usually several other groups there, so don’t plan on a solitude wilderness experience. Wear a helmet!!!
February 20th, 2006
I am planning on hiking Timp in a couple of weeks. I have climbed it in the summer and was wondering if someone knew what the best route is in the winter. Also, should I bring the crampons, or are snowshoes satisfactory? Any advice would be welcome. Thanks!
February 13th, 2006
Hey guys,
You should totally go hike this trail up to Lake Blanche in Big Cottonwood Canyon! Heather and I did it a week or so ago and hardly anyone was up there. It’s beautiful! It’s also the trail to approach Sundial Peak. It starts at the first bend of what is literally a steep, tight “S” in the road, about halfway up to the ski resorts. Total elevation gain was 6700 to 9000 (2300ft). The trail starts in evergreen forests and rises up into the aspen groves, and then tops out on a rocky “shelf” that holds a few frozen-over lakes behind it. Let me know if you go! –Logan
February 11th, 2006
In January some friends and I went to Bryce Canyon NP to do some snowshoeing. There wasn’t quite enough snow to justify strapping on the snowshoes but it was an AMAZING trip! The Fairyland Loop Trail was completely deserted and the hoodoos looked awesome in the snow. According to the rangers winter is the best time to go because there are so few people in the park and the scenery is gorgeous. February and March are supposed to have more snow, so if anyone is looking for a great winter trip I would definently recommend this.
February 11th, 2006
I love my Minimalist Down Jacket by Moonstone. Before, I just thought that it looked cool and the other hard-core outdoorsy people have them, therefore, I should have one. I came to realize today that my down jacket has a practical side to it as well. It is so warm!
We went snow camping tonight up in the Spruces Campground in Big Cottonwood Canyon, UT, for a good friend’s bachelor party. I, unfortunately, have a test tomorrow so I had to come back tonight to sleep in my warm, comfortable bed (shucks). It was really cold while I was up there. Somewhere around nine degrees fahrenheit. My Moonstone jacket saved the day and kept me nice and warm. I am also amazed at how light it is and how it can pack down into a really small stuff sack. The only thing I don’t like about it is that the stuff sack is separate from the jacket. It would be nicer if the whole thing folded up into a pocket or something. I’m afraid I might loos the stuff sack sometime.
I hope my friends have fun freezing the night away and if you were interested in getting a Moonstone down jacket, I would highly recommend it.
February 10th, 2006
I had the chance today to try out some snowshoes that my friend let me borrow. They were the Lightning Ascent Snowshoes made by MSR. They were great! They were light and had amazing traction caused by the cleats on the frame in addition to the usual crampons under foot. They also had a three-inch-high brace that could be flipped up into a position under the heal of your boot. This was nice for going up hill because it limited a lot of wasted movement.
The Lightning Ascent Snowshoes are a little on the pricey side for a poor college student like myself, but they are undeniably excellent snowshoes. I would definitely recommend them to anyone. Good job MSR! Thanks for letting me try them out Luke!
January 28th, 2006
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