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The Mineral Fork trail begins 6.1 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon. It is an ATV track on the south side of the road marked by a metal gate that is usually locked. You begin your hike up the ATV track that loops you through Aspens until you reach the first switchback. It is marked by a stream that has over run its banks onto the trail.
As I climbed the trail it seemed to level out somewhat into a grove of Pine Trees. I arrived in an area where all the Aspens had changed colors to bright yellow. This obviously was an area that either Moose or Deer had recently bedded down for the night. All the wild grass was flattened from them laying on it. After taking in the beautiful fall colors I continued up the trail.
The trail starts to head up the east side of the drainage, and gives you a view of all the trees and peaks that line the ridge. This being fall everything was changing, the Aspen, Oak Brush, and flora were all wearing their fall colors. As you hike further up the fork, a great circ comes into view. The pass in this bowl leads to Lake Blanch and Sundial Peak. As you get closer to the mine, there is a fork in the trail.
You may either continue up the ATV trail, or take the foot trail that heads up the east side of the fork. I choose the foot trail up to the Wasatch Mine. As you get closer to the Wasatch mine, you will see a large tailings pile on your left with a large stream running down the face of it. I crossed the trail to climb the front side of the tailings pile and behold, the Wasatch Mine.
A rusty colored stream runs out of the front of the mine. The mine is sealed with a welded grating to block access. From the mine there are some great views of the fork and Mt Raymond across the canyon. It was nice to have the place to myself, and there is a large flat rock that makes a nice bench to sit on. As daylight was fading, I decided to make my way via trail running all the way down. This is a great hike, lots of elevation gain, but not too steep for most people. If you get a chance to hike here do not pass it up. I will return here to see it again next year, and will probably traverse the pass into Lake Blanch.
Trail Information:
Big Cottonwood Canyon- Trail Head- 6.1 miles up canyon
Distance to Wasatch Mine- 3 miles
Elevation Gain- 1940 feet to 8650
Hiking Time- 2 hours
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