Mineral Fork

Mineral Fork gets the designation as the only off road route open in the Cottonwoods above Salt Lake County. This trail is popular with dirt bikes, ATV's, and hikers. Be sure to respect anyone that is using the trail. Your vehicle has to be under 50 inches to complete the trail. It is being considered to close it for good to all vehicles. Disobeying the width rules and going off trail can all be used as ammunition to close this gem permanently. Please be courteous and obey all rules. This is a great ride with fantastic views of the Wasatch Range. The trail is only 6 miles one way making it a great afternoon trip or a long day hike. The trail head is not marked but there is a small turnout with parking for only a couple vehicles. We do not recommend large trailers here. The trail begins to the left of the locked gate. The trail immediately begins climbing. It is always rocky but not an overly difficult trail. You will quickly come to a waterfall that even in late summer was still flowing. The trail actually goes through the water and then switchbacks to pass through it again. This is a very cool spot. The trail keeps climbing with nice views. You will eventually see and approach the Wasatch Mine site. The mine is closed and has a stream coming from it. Do not drink the water coming out as the mineral content is likely very high. The views the miners got to wake up to are sure nice. From the mine the trail just keeps on climbing through several large switchbacks. The trail will eventually turn into switchbacks through a giant scree field. Here we found the remains of an atv accident that an irresponsible ATV owner decided to leave in the rocks. The trail climbs and climbs and the views get better and better until trails end at the site of the Regulator Johnson Mine. The mine is long since buried but there are still a few remnants and lots of great views. From here you can turn around and head home or take a very short and difficult hike to the ridge above the mine. The trail is very steep and rough but only takes about 15 minutes or so to get a spectacular view of some of the high peaks of the Wasatch and you will be able to look down on the very popular Lake Blanche. We elected to take the hike. The views were not disappointing. We could see the remains of an old cabin in the valley far below that I could not find any historical info on. It would be located high above Lake Blanche on a different shelf. We enjoyed the view with a snack before heading back to the ATV's. Be careful going down. The footing is rarely stable. You could see most of the trail we took up far down in the canyon below. This is a one way trail. You have to return the same way you came in.