Sunday Morning Hiking Series #16 - Mount Aire Event Cache

Series Description

For those new to this hiking series, these are social hikes around the Salt Lake area for the purpose of caching, enjoying the outdoors, and getting to know fellow cachers. There tends to be a range of fitness levels that show up for the hikes. As the emphasis is on being social, don't worry if a steep leaves you puffing. I'll be right there clinging to a tree and puffing with you. Our usual meeting time is 8am, and we leave the parking area by 8:05am. The other primary feature of these hikes is that they are short and can be accomplished by noon. Trails tend to be a little emptier on Sunday mornings and we'll be done in time for anyone who has Sunday obligations to attend an afternoon service. If you don't have to be anywhere in the afternoon, there's frequently a longer trail to take. If you would like more information about the whole series of hikes, check out the others in the series in the bookmark list at the right.

Description for this Hike

There are so few trails left in this canyon that we have not hiked, we had to get this one in before the gate closes for winter.

Mount Aire is comparable to the peak that starts this canyon, Grandeur. The trail is a mile shorter but there are only 400 less feet of elevation gain, meaning the trail is a bit steeper in some spots. Leaving the parking area it is a gradual climb that appears pretty flat to the eye. From the saddle to the peak is the steepest part of the trail.

Hiking to the peak and back takes just under four hours. Allowing time for our usual off trail explorations, count on this one going a bit past noon.

Parking at this trailhead can be tight. Please make a point to park close when you arrive. I'll be sure to park at the farthest east end of the parking. Start the parking right next to me. If we run out of space, I'll shuttle people from the lot for picnic area to the west., or I can meet you in the Park and Ride outside the canyon at 7:25am. Just let me know.

Remember there is a $3 fee to exit the canyon unless you have the annual pass. The even will occur on an odd day so four footed hiking buddies are allowed off leash.

Bring water and trail snacks. This time of year the weather will be cool in the morning and warm up throughout the day. There's no telling how cool oe warm os wear/bring layers.

This was originally going to be our fall colors hike. Unfortunately Mother Nature and scheduling did not cooperate. I'm sure we'll be colorful enough all on our own. :-) For those of you who came on the February hike, especially DirtDevils and Ho'okele, we have some unfinished business in this area. If you weren't present for that little bit of craziness, you still need to come see its conclusion.