Logo

Home

Franklin Basin Ski/Snowshoe, 7 March, 2021

Twelve hikers came out for the Franklin Basin winter outing: Dave W, Dave P, David, Deanna, Teresa, Michelle, Chris, Keith, Laurel, Brent, Becky, Dan (the leader), as well as Jasper the dog. Dave W, Deanna, and Teresa used skis and the rest on snowshoes. We arrived at the trailhead at about 10:45 a.m. with warm, sunny conditions.

We took the usual route up the road and, taking a right, across the meadow tracked with snow machine ruts. The route took us up through conifer forest, along the edge of another meadow and continued eventually to an  aspen dominated forest. Although we usually stop for lunch on the way up the hill, we decided to continue to the ridge before our lunch break.   Becky spent some time in her hammock while the rest of us sat nearby on the snow.

After a relaxing break the group followed the ridge down through mature conifer and aspen forest with soft snow, then out into an open section with views of the backside of Beaver Mountain. We came off the ridge to the right and down a steeper section through the woods, then eventually out into the open meadows while listening to the whine of snow machines. We reached the cars at about 3 p.m. and back to Logan before 4 p.m.

Trip Summary:
  • Participants: Skiers Deanna, Dave W. and Teresa, snowshoers Brent, Chris, Keith, David, Dan, Dave P., Becky, Laurel and Michelle, and a dog, Jasper
  • Drove 25 miles to the Franklin Basin Winter Trailhead
  • Started out about 10:50, with lunch from 12:50 - 1:30, and back at the trailhead at 3:00
  • Warm temperatures, clear skies, calm winds and soft snow
  • Traveled 4.1 miles with 1200 feet of elevation gain

Thanks to Dan for the narrative, photos and GPS data, and Dave W. and Michelle for photos.
At the trailhead
The Franklin Basin Winter Trailhead
Climbing
Climbing a steep slope (over 20% grade) to the ridge
Lunch
 Hammock
Our lunch spot on the ridge
 Becky brought a hammock!
Ridge
Descending a ridge toward Franklin Basin
Map
Our GPS track shows about 4.1 miles and 1200 feet of ascent and descent.
You can look at our route using Google Earth or download our GPS file.