- Joined
- Dec 23, 2013
- Messages
- 3,761
I had a day I needed to burn before May 8th at work so I took Wednesday off and headed to the hills. I've been cycling most of the spring with only one hike up the Avenues Twin peaks to my credit. So my hiking legs probably aren't what they should be. I decided to head up Mount Van Cott from my home, summit Van Cott then head east across what I call the Van Cott Ridge. Once at the end of the ridge, I'd head north to gain the Black Mountain Ridge, then take the trail back down the north ridge of City Creek home, summitting the Avenues Twin Peaks for good measure. Once I hit the top of Black Mountain Ridge, I decided to head to the highpoint of the ridge so that I could get a good shot of Grandview Peak before turning around and heading home. It was roughly a 13 mile day, and it took me 10 hours and 8 minutes to complete it. This include a lot of picture taking and a long lunch on the high point of Black Mountain Ridge.
I found the hike to be rather chilly. It was supposed to get up to 54 degrees in the valley, so probably in the 40's up on the ridge. While the sun was out most of the day, once on the ridges the wind was whipping pretty good. I did find as long as I was headed up I was okay, but when I stopped to break, or eat my lunch, it got chilly. Also I was chilled on my way down.
When all was said and done, I was pretty pooped after this one.
![01.jpg 01.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130874-42ead1a2b8b4862f7877b694163656cd.jpg)
Excitement is just pumping through my veins before taking off
![02.jpg 02.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130875-fb6d5d44bf5e8818ea20efc86fe04435.jpg)
I left at the same time that Sheila took off, cycling to work
![03.jpg 03.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130876-cfd0711f679499cef780148d498f4cb2.jpg)
A black cricket heading up the hill on my way to 11th Avenue
![04.jpg 04.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130877-502fcf6c2c67193623a9c3e0982a7a23.jpg)
![05.jpg 05.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130878-8a09c94f8c1bfe2d5f252060e7bcd7f3.jpg)
Some deer at the fire station on 11th Ave.
![06.jpg 06.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130879-e436a7930bdca3c7b70f28540547410f.jpg)
Evening-primrose on my way to Dry Canyon
![07.jpg 07.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130880-96a7c372252a8f87925041050e8e2db3.jpg)
Sunrise on the south summit of the Avenues Twin Peaks
![08.jpg 08.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130881-14e12d30850539c189574798fdb3fc22.jpg)
Arriving at the mouth of Dry Canyon
![09.jpg 09.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130882-e766b897831583d0f9cde0c1c333d68e.jpg)
Long leaf phlox
![10.jpg 10.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130883-04d84a6154afe030e7d276a08bc8ac9a.jpg)
Groundsel
![11.jpg 11.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130884-3629fee5f2501d9f2bbed2a92c12ec7e.jpg)
![12.jpg 12.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130885-8dfadb15c33e9b41ad319b46a1c1100e.jpg)
Balsamroot on the slope of Mount Van Cott
![13.jpg 13.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130886-afbe5a4c426790025913e6fc968695a9.jpg)
Sun hitting the ridge on the northwest side of Dry Canyon
![14.jpg 14.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130887-00cde72a5cdd51bf93a38bb5bb81b87c.jpg)
Beginning the climb up Van Cott. This used to be an old Jeep road.
![15.jpg 15.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130888-2eef2fe13e27fcfe978c746efc346167.jpg)
The Avenues Twin Peaks in the distance, where I will be later in the afternoon hopefully
![16.jpg 16.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130889-0ea793e2202d05d613fb87dd4e61709d.jpg)
A look up the North Fork of Dry Canyon. I should be making my way across the ridge at the head of the fork later in the day.
![17.jpg 17.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130890-eadc81c1e0ea78c3df80d7a100fdc1d6.jpg)
Vetch
![18.jpg 18.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130891-07d0d0d628a653a7a3f3e61ec8301c1d.jpg)
Pungent desert parsley
![19.jpg 19.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130892-226655347aa61e44aa36d8f0ab941a2c.jpg)
I headed up the western ridge of Van Cott this time instead of just following the Old Jeep road. University of Utah Hospital and
Huntsman Cancer Center below.
![20.jpg 20.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130893-76eef5a6684c54b23ca51b2016a2e908.jpg)
Utah Service Berry
![21.jpg 21.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130894-176dacebf2db19f326ed88658bff1bbe.jpg)
A look back at downtown Salt Lake City
![22.jpg 22.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130895-5e6d1ed3b7353bf01483cfde121a11c9.jpg)
First look at Black Mountain
![23.jpg 23.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130896-f4a27660fff67dfdbb9ce5038dd53e40.jpg)
Back on the old Jeep road near the summit of Van Cott. The Dude Benchmark in the distance
![24.jpg 24.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130897-450b56e009a8d488071ec5fdd7beb20b.jpg)
Coming off the summit of Van Cott and hooking up with the trail that will take me across the Van Cott Ridge with Black Mountain
dead ahead.
![25.jpg 25.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130898-5673d52ed99ef9f7df2e8974642b77ac.jpg)
Cycling caps don't provide much eye shade when heading directly into the sun.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![26.jpg 26.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130899-1c5ca38e33754e218ead3aca2c5ba541.jpg)
Forget-me-nots
![27.jpg 27.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130900-18d3f6cd6f457e453db2da179e0d9b62.jpg)
Looking back at the summit of Van Cott
![28.jpg 28.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130901-52bad3ee5d0cd04f8a6f3117a0042c12.jpg)
![29.jpg 29.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130902-5e8d4c5f1dddf8664dc2705e55b933f8.jpg)
Glacier lilies
![30.jpg 30.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130903-210a06af5335af876d524e9f051bbde8.jpg)
View to the south at Mount Wire, with Red Butte Reservoir below
![31.jpg 31.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130904-f931884eadb89a282e267b089ee74ba5.jpg)
Some bumps to go over on the Van Cott Ridgeline. View is looking northeast.
![32.jpg 32.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130905-42ce8ebad2666d2d58bd7f6184c5029c.jpg)
Black Mountain above
At this point I started to hear turkeys gobble coming from the slope across the South Fork of Dry Canyon. I'd stop and look over to see if I could see any movement in the direction of the sounds, but they wouldn't come out of the scrub oak. After a bit, I thought they may be plotting against me.
Gobblers on my tail @Rockskipper! They are a clever birds indeed. Hokies on my tail is almost as bad as hellhounds on my tail! ![Big Grin :D :D](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![33.jpg 33.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130906-21360d2e0d21a24f1fe00da5566dc6ab.jpg)
Another look back to the southwest and the Van Cott Ridgeline
![34.jpg 34.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130907-20464df38ee8594c709854baf457e952.jpg)
Larkspur on the ridge
![35.jpg 35.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130908-3dad69b4378eb5dc0e33c897636ffecd.jpg)
One more major hump to go
![36.jpg 36.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130909-880268863f832c06f58734da68000539.jpg)
More lilies
![37.jpg 37.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130910-1bbee8225eb1d6c0b6aa40c0da3a76ce.jpg)
1st break. Time to get some calories in me before I begin heading up Black Mountain
![38.jpg 38.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130911-6b5914e73ae1e45e0b45da6a048ff97e.jpg)
Some cacti
![39.jpg 39.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130912-10d3ab34fc154b3742f9ca18c484119a.jpg)
Yellow Bells
![40.jpg 40.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130913-7a18de7d146cb28965c2787acb75e330.jpg)
Heading towards the saddle above the South Fork of Dry Canyon
![41.jpg 41.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130914-ce0fef83f9a7cfe69c75dfee0bfb3726.jpg)
First snow encounter
![42.jpg 42.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130915-a5c831ff3db49744a65cbb877d259e81.jpg)
Spring beauties
![43.jpg 43.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130916-2602ab91f0dfa2455bc36add50518397.jpg)
At the end of the ridge to social trail becomes more of an elk trail
![44.jpg 44.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130917-5db4c4c0deea6f6190d7dec17419d47b.jpg)
Hard to stay on at times
At this point I was hoping that @regehr had blazed a top notch trail up to the summit of the Black Mountain Ridge, but if he had, I couldn't find it.![Big Grin :D :D](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![45.jpg 45.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130918-05ca00521bee31ee8a321d87126709bb.jpg)
Fromm the saddle above the South Fork of Dry Canyon, looking back at the Van Cott Ridge
![46.jpg 46.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130919-7586e7d8199b1f30ac3cd889134fac74.jpg)
Utah violet
![47.jpg 47.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130920-122de9fb7d4f09bf20c501ddadd6da95.jpg)
Another shot of the Van Cott Ridge and looking down the South Fork of Dry Canyon
![48.jpg 48.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130921-eaa29d16478d07bce5d8ca042ab65682.jpg)
Heading up Black Mountain in earnest now. I'm heading towards that lone mountain mahogany on the hill
![49.jpg 49.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130922-aa0fe33eb2329a3484cfebb4cf4e38ea.jpg)
Common storksbill and a Scatman shadow
![50.jpg 50.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130923-618b2ddf0baacc5f94a0cb68426f8132.jpg)
I stopped for a second break under that lone mountain mahogany in order to eat a Kind Bar and take this shot of one of my
cameras I took on the trip. It's battery did not like the cold, and would eventually run out of juice.
![51.jpg 51.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130924-5e3b97cf37e0ec463f3e4b2ff4c10f96.jpg)
Spring Parsley
![52.jpg 52.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130925-15e001ac18db97930134557edc72220d.jpg)
Getting some better views of the Wasatch Mountains the higher I get
![53.jpg 53.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130926-a631b928d36d40834870aeb828230f0e.jpg)
Hey, only 1100 feet in just over seven tenths of a mile. Looking up at the top of the Black Mountain Ridge where I am heading
![54.jpg 54.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130927-9e8e597c5cdf3e22bafe549107eea196.jpg)
Patches of snow here and there on the bushwhack
![55.jpg 55.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130928-5ace64e91e519b9eb779f944429a28b1.jpg)
Looking up towards the head of Red Butte Canyon
![56.jpg 56.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130929-a956f410d9dfff01e998e07a1d8bb645.jpg)
Nor sure what this is. Does anyone know?
![57.jpg 57.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130930-8450ca372557c2530bff887e13029916.jpg)
Just follow the elk droppings is my motto.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![58.jpg 58.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130931-1d5db17e24030ea0be9675f837de6cd0.jpg)
More yellow bells on the south slope of Black Mountain
![59.jpg 59.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130932-6a0fa5a0edf639a6cf03797109848bd5.jpg)
My left knee was not liking this. In training for a @Bob tip, straight up is the only alternative.![Big Grin :D :D](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![60.jpg 60.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130933-92f6a356d48c545067b7a5091c5f3aea.jpg)
Looking back down on the route I have come. The Van Cott Ridge is the second ridge in the image
![61.jpg 61.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130934-9aa1427b8c1a1226c69f630c4831e2a9.jpg)
Lord have mercy! Getting close at least.
![62.jpg 62.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130935-8682c85d9ca005c9f9bf9b63d547b1ab.jpg)
Not sure what is going on here?
![63.jpg 63.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130936-9b0113173d2c6d253cf26d0ddbb02bec.jpg)
Looking east with the Uintas in the far diatance
![64.jpg 64.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130937-684d0cdc0451aadb3b4119c1af085b2a.jpg)
The back end of a small horned toad. It was kind of shy.![Smile :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![65.jpg 65.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130938-7d6caec68dda346e5cb4f959f7a799c6.jpg)
On top of the Black Mountain Ridge, looking west.
So at this point I decided that I wanted to reach the high point of the ridge. I had forgotten that the butt pucker scramble section was between me and the high point, so I had some scrambling and downclimbing to do, which I'm sure would have been comical to watch with my hiking poles in one hand, and having to be careful of my camera attached to the shoulder strap of my pack. This raised the butt pucker facto for me at least.
![66.jpg 66.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130939-9f8242ac1c7f99de91a31ff282afc4d7.jpg)
Heading into the scramble part
![67.jpg 67.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130940-668cf343c9547cdf90f0a924085c2165.jpg)
A look up the North Fork Drainage in City Creek Canyon. Snow covered Francis Peak, above Farmington, is in the far distance.
![68.jpg 68.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130941-d1c4a834ae1de287b611c7f4cc5fa6b4.jpg)
A little scrambling left to do to reach the high point
![69.jpg 69.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130942-828a79670e2aab3311e62441e010c673.jpg)
This is the view that makes the high point worth it. - Grandview Peak.
Now some summit shots
![70.jpg 70.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130943-9da4fc1f2fffbf11d93c76ef80c0357f.jpg)
Lookout Peak to the east
![71.jpg 71.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130944-a666a5604228e371b02553cd9d09c680.jpg)
The Wasatch Mountains to the south
![72.jpg 72.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130945-ce4e5df0e3812c96241a7264376f8c71.jpg)
View down City Creek Canyon
![73.jpg 73.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130946-b717de5b789ab96464c001f7d3847382.jpg)
On the high point
![74.jpg 74.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130947-8cab043159d6f91995b2590f885749e7.jpg)
Lunch time
I had hauled my long lens up with me, so after lunch I took it out and took some shots with it
![75.jpg 75.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130948-4afbde4354461c16749b24571916895e.jpg)
Grandview Peak and Cottonwood Gulch
![76.jpg 76.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130949-e9ac231261afebc3a7b679201a9c05f3.jpg)
Lookout Peak
![77.jpg 77.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130950-65b6672fc5f55c0d7c03d1a6025e4600.jpg)
Francis Peak to the north
![78.jpg 78.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130951-d71d0192f9fc5420522c02fe530053d3.jpg)
The under construction water treatment plant in City Creek Canyon that will keep me from reaching my 40th year in a row of cycling
to the top of City Creek this summer.![Mad :mad: :mad:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
![79.jpg 79.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130952-a9f1f3f59a3cf714bcd3e5cdafe72a9d.jpg)
The Dude Benchmark to the northwest, with Frary Peak beyond, across the Great Salt Lake
![80.jpg 80.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130953-8a4e9772c60ceed5572995bbf67ecdff.jpg)
Gobblers Knob and Mount Raymond to the south
![81.jpg 81.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130954-6b4be060c9d0404b61f85fb702dac35f.jpg)
Broads Fork Twin Peaks to the South. If you look closely, you can also see Grandeur Peak below the twins, and below Grandeur is
Perkins Peak of Parleys Ridge fame.
![82.jpg 82.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130955-7ae874e43a31e7b5262d8b92392ccfa8.jpg)
Lone Peak to the south, with Mount Olympus below Lone.
![83.jpg 83.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130956-929d93f4a3ab6026c5c3de6c9cc0bf0e.jpg)
To the west and Stansbury Island across the Great Salt Lake, with the Lakeside Mountains beyond.
![84.jpg 84.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130957-6913344bdae6bb37eb8b31df50856be0.jpg)
The big gun.
![85.jpg 85.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130958-ad13076d6d9b15a9f976b30556eb9bca.jpg)
Heading for home. The scramble portion is easier in this direction because you are climbing up
instead of downclimbing
![86.jpg 86.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130959-dad82f2d680eada3faab876b1432e657.jpg)
This part ahead is much easier to climb up that to come down
![87.jpg 87.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130960-89e7d5bb753773e0ac6751dbd5db41ac.jpg)
A nice stand of aspen, yet to get their leaves, on the north slope of the ridge
![88.jpg 88.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130961-1cac46b60dde23ca54c619d779d110af.jpg)
Antelope Island off in the distance
![89.jpg 89.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130962-dc534e6c16d7bf4ea0f08eb521f2691e.jpg)
The road home along the south ridge of City Creek Canyon for the most part with the Avenues Twin Peaks at the end of another
old Jeep road
![90.jpg 90.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130963-c6f2778b6575660849e52559894455c1.jpg)
One last look up City Creek Canyon towards Burro Peak and Grandview Peak
![91.jpg 91.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130964-2633e1be7d7cfa19aad08943fedda580.jpg)
Making some headway coming down the ridge
![92.jpg 92.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130965-20c073551d12472073724a1407e56031.jpg)
Common storksbill
![93.jpg 93.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130966-05eb011307f77a6a9abaec0092dbff91.jpg)
Running into my first paintbrush
![94.jpg 94.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130967-f50d11b8411f1f43ce660305e68539c7.jpg)
A look back up at the western edge of the Black Mountain Ridge
![95.jpg 95.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130968-8c71d3e14e885b5b3c2bf4674f89b9c7.jpg)
Old Jeep road
![96.jpg 96.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130969-1132f0b559c5de7c01c9ce30bbfa3dc1.jpg)
Another shot looking back at Black Mountain
![97.jpg 97.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130970-b25bb26cf4dc9be5aedde9657b8f6f9a.jpg)
Arriving at the Avenues Twin Peaks
![98.jpg 98.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130971-374256e168e99c163ea30e148b6c514f.jpg)
North Peak with a cyclist atop
![99.jpg 99.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130972-3ed58613ed938058938b8e3eeaef7903.jpg)
More paintbrush
![100.jpg 100.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130973-32d7f5aa7313714f7cde141f7fce11ca.jpg)
South Twin dead ahead
![101.jpg 101.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130974-2aac5b8a2d88f21777b10c252e34fa15.jpg)
The couple headed up the South Twin in the previous image were kind enough to take my picture at the summit, with Burro Peak,
Grandview Peak and Black Mountain in the background. Tad bit windy I'd say.![Cold :cold: :cold:](/addedsmilies/cold.gif)
![102.jpg 102.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130975-9a66a48e259442c0b0f946b27b4671c0.jpg)
The Van Cott Ridge from a different angle
![103.jpg 103.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130976-d8e04bd2a27558ba5a374a0d31e4b588.jpg)
More paintbrush coming off the South Twin
![104.jpg 104.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130977-c41d7fd620e2d9f518322a251b0aea05.jpg)
Golden currant
![105.jpg 105.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130978-b1eceecfe67a55b2a2a9ca766df17896.jpg)
A look back at the South Twin
![106.jpg 106.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130979-c98d2f02dcd8486bef83d1a07c48ab99.jpg)
![107.jpg 107.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130980-746f20028a470d651d23d1868b4649f8.jpg)
When I reached home, look who was just peddling up. Great timing!
Home sweet home.
I found the hike to be rather chilly. It was supposed to get up to 54 degrees in the valley, so probably in the 40's up on the ridge. While the sun was out most of the day, once on the ridges the wind was whipping pretty good. I did find as long as I was headed up I was okay, but when I stopped to break, or eat my lunch, it got chilly. Also I was chilled on my way down.
When all was said and done, I was pretty pooped after this one.
![01.jpg 01.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130874-42ead1a2b8b4862f7877b694163656cd.jpg)
Excitement is just pumping through my veins before taking off
![02.jpg 02.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130875-fb6d5d44bf5e8818ea20efc86fe04435.jpg)
I left at the same time that Sheila took off, cycling to work
![03.jpg 03.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130876-cfd0711f679499cef780148d498f4cb2.jpg)
A black cricket heading up the hill on my way to 11th Avenue
![04.jpg 04.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130877-502fcf6c2c67193623a9c3e0982a7a23.jpg)
![05.jpg 05.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130878-8a09c94f8c1bfe2d5f252060e7bcd7f3.jpg)
Some deer at the fire station on 11th Ave.
![06.jpg 06.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130879-e436a7930bdca3c7b70f28540547410f.jpg)
Evening-primrose on my way to Dry Canyon
![07.jpg 07.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130880-96a7c372252a8f87925041050e8e2db3.jpg)
Sunrise on the south summit of the Avenues Twin Peaks
![08.jpg 08.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130881-14e12d30850539c189574798fdb3fc22.jpg)
Arriving at the mouth of Dry Canyon
![09.jpg 09.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130882-e766b897831583d0f9cde0c1c333d68e.jpg)
Long leaf phlox
![10.jpg 10.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130883-04d84a6154afe030e7d276a08bc8ac9a.jpg)
Groundsel
![11.jpg 11.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130884-3629fee5f2501d9f2bbed2a92c12ec7e.jpg)
![12.jpg 12.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130885-8dfadb15c33e9b41ad319b46a1c1100e.jpg)
Balsamroot on the slope of Mount Van Cott
![13.jpg 13.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130886-afbe5a4c426790025913e6fc968695a9.jpg)
Sun hitting the ridge on the northwest side of Dry Canyon
![14.jpg 14.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130887-00cde72a5cdd51bf93a38bb5bb81b87c.jpg)
Beginning the climb up Van Cott. This used to be an old Jeep road.
![15.jpg 15.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130888-2eef2fe13e27fcfe978c746efc346167.jpg)
The Avenues Twin Peaks in the distance, where I will be later in the afternoon hopefully
![16.jpg 16.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130889-0ea793e2202d05d613fb87dd4e61709d.jpg)
A look up the North Fork of Dry Canyon. I should be making my way across the ridge at the head of the fork later in the day.
![17.jpg 17.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130890-eadc81c1e0ea78c3df80d7a100fdc1d6.jpg)
Vetch
![18.jpg 18.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130891-07d0d0d628a653a7a3f3e61ec8301c1d.jpg)
Pungent desert parsley
![19.jpg 19.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130892-226655347aa61e44aa36d8f0ab941a2c.jpg)
I headed up the western ridge of Van Cott this time instead of just following the Old Jeep road. University of Utah Hospital and
Huntsman Cancer Center below.
![20.jpg 20.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130893-76eef5a6684c54b23ca51b2016a2e908.jpg)
Utah Service Berry
![21.jpg 21.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130894-176dacebf2db19f326ed88658bff1bbe.jpg)
A look back at downtown Salt Lake City
![22.jpg 22.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130895-5e6d1ed3b7353bf01483cfde121a11c9.jpg)
First look at Black Mountain
![23.jpg 23.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130896-f4a27660fff67dfdbb9ce5038dd53e40.jpg)
Back on the old Jeep road near the summit of Van Cott. The Dude Benchmark in the distance
![24.jpg 24.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130897-450b56e009a8d488071ec5fdd7beb20b.jpg)
Coming off the summit of Van Cott and hooking up with the trail that will take me across the Van Cott Ridge with Black Mountain
dead ahead.
![25.jpg 25.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130898-5673d52ed99ef9f7df2e8974642b77ac.jpg)
Cycling caps don't provide much eye shade when heading directly into the sun.
![26.jpg 26.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130899-1c5ca38e33754e218ead3aca2c5ba541.jpg)
Forget-me-nots
![27.jpg 27.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130900-18d3f6cd6f457e453db2da179e0d9b62.jpg)
Looking back at the summit of Van Cott
![28.jpg 28.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130901-52bad3ee5d0cd04f8a6f3117a0042c12.jpg)
![29.jpg 29.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130902-5e8d4c5f1dddf8664dc2705e55b933f8.jpg)
Glacier lilies
![30.jpg 30.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130903-210a06af5335af876d524e9f051bbde8.jpg)
View to the south at Mount Wire, with Red Butte Reservoir below
![31.jpg 31.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130904-f931884eadb89a282e267b089ee74ba5.jpg)
Some bumps to go over on the Van Cott Ridgeline. View is looking northeast.
![32.jpg 32.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130905-42ce8ebad2666d2d58bd7f6184c5029c.jpg)
Black Mountain above
At this point I started to hear turkeys gobble coming from the slope across the South Fork of Dry Canyon. I'd stop and look over to see if I could see any movement in the direction of the sounds, but they wouldn't come out of the scrub oak. After a bit, I thought they may be plotting against me.
![33.jpg 33.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130906-21360d2e0d21a24f1fe00da5566dc6ab.jpg)
Another look back to the southwest and the Van Cott Ridgeline
![34.jpg 34.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130907-20464df38ee8594c709854baf457e952.jpg)
Larkspur on the ridge
![35.jpg 35.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130908-3dad69b4378eb5dc0e33c897636ffecd.jpg)
One more major hump to go
![36.jpg 36.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130909-880268863f832c06f58734da68000539.jpg)
More lilies
![37.jpg 37.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130910-1bbee8225eb1d6c0b6aa40c0da3a76ce.jpg)
1st break. Time to get some calories in me before I begin heading up Black Mountain
![38.jpg 38.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130911-6b5914e73ae1e45e0b45da6a048ff97e.jpg)
Some cacti
![39.jpg 39.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130912-10d3ab34fc154b3742f9ca18c484119a.jpg)
Yellow Bells
![40.jpg 40.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130913-7a18de7d146cb28965c2787acb75e330.jpg)
Heading towards the saddle above the South Fork of Dry Canyon
![41.jpg 41.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130914-ce0fef83f9a7cfe69c75dfee0bfb3726.jpg)
First snow encounter
![42.jpg 42.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130915-a5c831ff3db49744a65cbb877d259e81.jpg)
Spring beauties
![43.jpg 43.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130916-2602ab91f0dfa2455bc36add50518397.jpg)
At the end of the ridge to social trail becomes more of an elk trail
![44.jpg 44.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130917-5db4c4c0deea6f6190d7dec17419d47b.jpg)
Hard to stay on at times
At this point I was hoping that @regehr had blazed a top notch trail up to the summit of the Black Mountain Ridge, but if he had, I couldn't find it.
![45.jpg 45.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130918-05ca00521bee31ee8a321d87126709bb.jpg)
Fromm the saddle above the South Fork of Dry Canyon, looking back at the Van Cott Ridge
![46.jpg 46.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130919-7586e7d8199b1f30ac3cd889134fac74.jpg)
Utah violet
![47.jpg 47.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130920-122de9fb7d4f09bf20c501ddadd6da95.jpg)
Another shot of the Van Cott Ridge and looking down the South Fork of Dry Canyon
![48.jpg 48.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130921-eaa29d16478d07bce5d8ca042ab65682.jpg)
Heading up Black Mountain in earnest now. I'm heading towards that lone mountain mahogany on the hill
![49.jpg 49.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130922-aa0fe33eb2329a3484cfebb4cf4e38ea.jpg)
Common storksbill and a Scatman shadow
![50.jpg 50.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130923-618b2ddf0baacc5f94a0cb68426f8132.jpg)
I stopped for a second break under that lone mountain mahogany in order to eat a Kind Bar and take this shot of one of my
cameras I took on the trip. It's battery did not like the cold, and would eventually run out of juice.
![51.jpg 51.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130924-5e3b97cf37e0ec463f3e4b2ff4c10f96.jpg)
Spring Parsley
![52.jpg 52.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130925-15e001ac18db97930134557edc72220d.jpg)
Getting some better views of the Wasatch Mountains the higher I get
![53.jpg 53.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130926-a631b928d36d40834870aeb828230f0e.jpg)
Hey, only 1100 feet in just over seven tenths of a mile. Looking up at the top of the Black Mountain Ridge where I am heading
![54.jpg 54.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130927-9e8e597c5cdf3e22bafe549107eea196.jpg)
Patches of snow here and there on the bushwhack
![55.jpg 55.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130928-5ace64e91e519b9eb779f944429a28b1.jpg)
Looking up towards the head of Red Butte Canyon
![56.jpg 56.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130929-a956f410d9dfff01e998e07a1d8bb645.jpg)
Nor sure what this is. Does anyone know?
![57.jpg 57.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130930-8450ca372557c2530bff887e13029916.jpg)
Just follow the elk droppings is my motto.
![58.jpg 58.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130931-1d5db17e24030ea0be9675f837de6cd0.jpg)
More yellow bells on the south slope of Black Mountain
![59.jpg 59.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130932-6a0fa5a0edf639a6cf03797109848bd5.jpg)
My left knee was not liking this. In training for a @Bob tip, straight up is the only alternative.
![60.jpg 60.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130933-92f6a356d48c545067b7a5091c5f3aea.jpg)
Looking back down on the route I have come. The Van Cott Ridge is the second ridge in the image
![61.jpg 61.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130934-9aa1427b8c1a1226c69f630c4831e2a9.jpg)
Lord have mercy! Getting close at least.
![62.jpg 62.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130935-8682c85d9ca005c9f9bf9b63d547b1ab.jpg)
Not sure what is going on here?
![63.jpg 63.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130936-9b0113173d2c6d253cf26d0ddbb02bec.jpg)
Looking east with the Uintas in the far diatance
![64.jpg 64.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130937-684d0cdc0451aadb3b4119c1af085b2a.jpg)
The back end of a small horned toad. It was kind of shy.
![65.jpg 65.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130938-7d6caec68dda346e5cb4f959f7a799c6.jpg)
On top of the Black Mountain Ridge, looking west.
So at this point I decided that I wanted to reach the high point of the ridge. I had forgotten that the butt pucker scramble section was between me and the high point, so I had some scrambling and downclimbing to do, which I'm sure would have been comical to watch with my hiking poles in one hand, and having to be careful of my camera attached to the shoulder strap of my pack. This raised the butt pucker facto for me at least.
![66.jpg 66.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130939-9f8242ac1c7f99de91a31ff282afc4d7.jpg)
Heading into the scramble part
![67.jpg 67.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130940-668cf343c9547cdf90f0a924085c2165.jpg)
A look up the North Fork Drainage in City Creek Canyon. Snow covered Francis Peak, above Farmington, is in the far distance.
![68.jpg 68.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130941-d1c4a834ae1de287b611c7f4cc5fa6b4.jpg)
A little scrambling left to do to reach the high point
![69.jpg 69.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130942-828a79670e2aab3311e62441e010c673.jpg)
This is the view that makes the high point worth it. - Grandview Peak.
Now some summit shots
![70.jpg 70.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130943-9da4fc1f2fffbf11d93c76ef80c0357f.jpg)
Lookout Peak to the east
![71.jpg 71.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130944-a666a5604228e371b02553cd9d09c680.jpg)
The Wasatch Mountains to the south
![72.jpg 72.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130945-ce4e5df0e3812c96241a7264376f8c71.jpg)
View down City Creek Canyon
![73.jpg 73.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130946-b717de5b789ab96464c001f7d3847382.jpg)
On the high point
![74.jpg 74.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130947-8cab043159d6f91995b2590f885749e7.jpg)
Lunch time
I had hauled my long lens up with me, so after lunch I took it out and took some shots with it
![75.jpg 75.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130948-4afbde4354461c16749b24571916895e.jpg)
Grandview Peak and Cottonwood Gulch
![76.jpg 76.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130949-e9ac231261afebc3a7b679201a9c05f3.jpg)
Lookout Peak
![77.jpg 77.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130950-65b6672fc5f55c0d7c03d1a6025e4600.jpg)
Francis Peak to the north
![78.jpg 78.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130951-d71d0192f9fc5420522c02fe530053d3.jpg)
The under construction water treatment plant in City Creek Canyon that will keep me from reaching my 40th year in a row of cycling
to the top of City Creek this summer.
![79.jpg 79.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130952-a9f1f3f59a3cf714bcd3e5cdafe72a9d.jpg)
The Dude Benchmark to the northwest, with Frary Peak beyond, across the Great Salt Lake
![80.jpg 80.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130953-8a4e9772c60ceed5572995bbf67ecdff.jpg)
Gobblers Knob and Mount Raymond to the south
![81.jpg 81.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130954-6b4be060c9d0404b61f85fb702dac35f.jpg)
Broads Fork Twin Peaks to the South. If you look closely, you can also see Grandeur Peak below the twins, and below Grandeur is
Perkins Peak of Parleys Ridge fame.
![82.jpg 82.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130955-7ae874e43a31e7b5262d8b92392ccfa8.jpg)
Lone Peak to the south, with Mount Olympus below Lone.
![83.jpg 83.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130956-929d93f4a3ab6026c5c3de6c9cc0bf0e.jpg)
To the west and Stansbury Island across the Great Salt Lake, with the Lakeside Mountains beyond.
![84.jpg 84.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130957-6913344bdae6bb37eb8b31df50856be0.jpg)
The big gun.
![85.jpg 85.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130958-ad13076d6d9b15a9f976b30556eb9bca.jpg)
Heading for home. The scramble portion is easier in this direction because you are climbing up
instead of downclimbing
![86.jpg 86.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130959-dad82f2d680eada3faab876b1432e657.jpg)
This part ahead is much easier to climb up that to come down
![87.jpg 87.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130960-89e7d5bb753773e0ac6751dbd5db41ac.jpg)
A nice stand of aspen, yet to get their leaves, on the north slope of the ridge
![88.jpg 88.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130961-1cac46b60dde23ca54c619d779d110af.jpg)
Antelope Island off in the distance
![89.jpg 89.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130962-dc534e6c16d7bf4ea0f08eb521f2691e.jpg)
The road home along the south ridge of City Creek Canyon for the most part with the Avenues Twin Peaks at the end of another
old Jeep road
![90.jpg 90.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130963-c6f2778b6575660849e52559894455c1.jpg)
One last look up City Creek Canyon towards Burro Peak and Grandview Peak
![91.jpg 91.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130964-2633e1be7d7cfa19aad08943fedda580.jpg)
Making some headway coming down the ridge
![92.jpg 92.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130965-20c073551d12472073724a1407e56031.jpg)
Common storksbill
![93.jpg 93.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130966-05eb011307f77a6a9abaec0092dbff91.jpg)
Running into my first paintbrush
![94.jpg 94.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130967-f50d11b8411f1f43ce660305e68539c7.jpg)
A look back up at the western edge of the Black Mountain Ridge
![95.jpg 95.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130968-8c71d3e14e885b5b3c2bf4674f89b9c7.jpg)
Old Jeep road
![96.jpg 96.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130969-1132f0b559c5de7c01c9ce30bbfa3dc1.jpg)
Another shot looking back at Black Mountain
![97.jpg 97.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130970-b25bb26cf4dc9be5aedde9657b8f6f9a.jpg)
Arriving at the Avenues Twin Peaks
![98.jpg 98.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130971-374256e168e99c163ea30e148b6c514f.jpg)
North Peak with a cyclist atop
![99.jpg 99.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130972-3ed58613ed938058938b8e3eeaef7903.jpg)
More paintbrush
![100.jpg 100.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130973-32d7f5aa7313714f7cde141f7fce11ca.jpg)
South Twin dead ahead
![101.jpg 101.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130974-2aac5b8a2d88f21777b10c252e34fa15.jpg)
The couple headed up the South Twin in the previous image were kind enough to take my picture at the summit, with Burro Peak,
Grandview Peak and Black Mountain in the background. Tad bit windy I'd say.
![Cold :cold: :cold:](/addedsmilies/cold.gif)
![102.jpg 102.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130975-9a66a48e259442c0b0f946b27b4671c0.jpg)
The Van Cott Ridge from a different angle
![103.jpg 103.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130976-d8e04bd2a27558ba5a374a0d31e4b588.jpg)
More paintbrush coming off the South Twin
![104.jpg 104.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130977-c41d7fd620e2d9f518322a251b0aea05.jpg)
Golden currant
![105.jpg 105.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130978-b1eceecfe67a55b2a2a9ca766df17896.jpg)
A look back at the South Twin
![106.jpg 106.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130979-c98d2f02dcd8486bef83d1a07c48ab99.jpg)
![107.jpg 107.jpg](https://backcountrypost.com/data/attachments/130/130980-746f20028a470d651d23d1868b4649f8.jpg)
When I reached home, look who was just peddling up. Great timing!
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