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King Nature Park - Green Canyon, 29 January 2023

Seven Cache Hikers convened at Smith’s Marketplace at 10 a.m. to discuss a change of plans due to the 22+ inches of snow in the mountains over of the last two days and still snowing (!), high avalanche danger at all elevations, and possible difficult travel in Logan Canyon. Most roads in town were plowed but snow covered.

No matter the destination, the seven hikers were determined to take advantage of this season’s amazing snow quality/quantity and good company.

Following a few coordinated stops to homes on the way to Green Canyon to pick up different gear, hikers arrived at the King Nature Park parking lot about 10:45 a.m. A few other vehicles were already in the parking area as well as a few in the Green Canyon parking lot farther up the road. Overall, the canyon was not crowded.

The group ran into Nordic United trail groomers who explained that in addition to snow bikers, skiers and snowshoers were welcome on the single track to help pack it down to make their job easier. The signage was not clear on this issue so we appreciated the clarification. The main thing is that they do not want post-holing on any of the trails. 

We encountered the trail groomer several times as he followed our tracks, packing down the single-track trail with his Snowdog machine. He said that with all the snow, it had been hard keeping up with grooming this winter. Gratitude for their volunteer service was expressed by all several times.

Lunch was at a spot where the single-track crossed the road at a little over 2 miles up. A downed tree limb made for a nice bench. The group then returned from here.

Trip Summary:
  • Seven hikers all on skis; Susan (trip leader), Jane, Teresa, Brent, Chris, Dave W., and Keith
  • Drove about 4.25 miles to the King Nature Park parking lot (not plowed)
  • Started skiing at about 11 a.m., returned to parking area about 2:15 p.m.
  • Cold temperatures (about 19 ºF), overcast with light snow, no wind (the sun attempted to come out a few times)
  • Many deer were sighted on the hillside above the trail
  • 4.3 miles round trip and 560 feet of ascent

Thanks to Susan for the narrative and photos, Jane and Teresa for photos and Dave W for photos and GPS data.


The King Nature Park trailhead


Skiing on the freshly groomed road
 Skiing on the un-groomed "single track"

Nordic United volunteer, grooming the "single track" with a Snowdog machine

Keith showed off his new new Behaniu Portable Collapsible Stool
Our trailside lunch spot



Skiers heading back toward King Nature Park
Our GPS track shows about 4.3 miles and 560 feet of ascent.
You can look at our route using Google Earth or download our GPS file.