SnowShoeing Wheeler Creek Trail

/ 1 February 2016 / 0 Comments

A few Saturdays ago, I decided to go on a snowshoe hike without my #ohniceandchubbybabies. I figured it was high time to have some Mama/Short Girl time with my gal Mikaela from Indie Ogden.

Mikaela found the trail, I picked her up and we drove up Ogden Canyon to find Wheeler Creek Trail and Icebox Trail. Now, as I was driving up to this location I was kind of worried about two short mama hiking up through the mountains alone. For brief second I wondered if we should have brought some pepper spray. I even went as far to think back on my Ken Po Karate training (Orange belt here.)

Luckily, as soon as we hit the parking area, I realized this was a super popular place and would be sure to have lots of foot traffic.

As we started up the trail, I kind of had a deja vu moment. I realized I'd actually been snowshoeing on this exact trail 13 years ago in high school. It was my first time snowshoeing and my last for a good 5 years. A few friends and I decided to take the trail less taken and made our own path. Basically, we wanted to cross the river a few times to feel "cool." We also decided that it would be fun to try and scale up the mountain. Needless to say, lives were almost lost (like my friends dog) but sweet, sweet memories were made.

At one point, we found this steep trail down to the river below. Like the true adventurers we are, we went down to have a little snack.

After a short picnic and some photo taking we were off.

Wheeler Creek forks at a trail called Ice Box Canyon (about 1 mile in) This was our main destination.

After descending down the hill we came upon a dreamy looking bridge.

I decided it was a bridge that needed some Harmony jumping. Also, check out that giant tree. I feel that it needed some attention.

My first jump was more of a walk off. I wasn't quite ready to spring into my jump.

So I tried it again. What can I say? My short 5' body can really jump. (Completely sarcastic remark.) Honestly, I do love just jumping off things. Nothing makes me feel more carefree and young(er). See yesterday's post to see more of me jumping.

As we continued up the trail, it only got more magical. Everything was completely silent and it was perfect.

We only passed one other person, but shortly after, we heard a giant "BOOOOOM!" This area is known for avalanches and is patrolled regularly. Apparently, Mikaela's husband had drilled her about what to do if she heard any avalanche booms. He told her to turn around as quickly as possible.

So we did.

Luckily, we did not find ourselves in any kind of danger on the way back. But we could see the snow poofing up, so the avalanche area couldn't have been too far.

Instead we found ourselves at the fork of the ice box trail and the wheeler creek Trail. We decided to go up just a little further on the Wheeler Creek Trail. (It was in the opposite direction of the Ice Box Canyon Trail.)

We didn't end up going very far, the weather seemed to be getting gloomier. So we turned around. This time we passed probably 10 different people.

All in all, I think it was a successful shoe shoe event. I'll definitely be back to A) finish the whole Ice Box Canyon Trail and B) In the summer bring the kids to hike. It's a good beginner trail too!