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Leatham Hollow, 28 June 2020

Sixteen Cache hikers turned out for the Leatham Hollow hike on a cool morning:  David W,  Jane, Dave W, Dave P, Susan, Deanna, Michelle, Laurel, Chris,  Kris, Brent, Richard, Robert, Becky, Tawnya, Dan (leader) and Jasper (dog). We rode in separate cars as much as possible and arrived at Leatham Hollow in the Left Hand Fork of Blacksmith Fork Canyon about 8:45 a.m..

For the first 1/4 mile we walked past RV campers and
crossed the small stream a few time before arriving at the start of the trail.  We continued along the trail, past Leatham Hollow Spring and on to the first switchback. At the end of the switchback we followed a path to an overlook for a great view of Leatham Hollow and the Left Hand Fork.  The trail then led up through deep forest with abundant enchantress' nightshade, columbine and Clarkia, an endemic plant.

We arrived at the top of Leatham Hollow about 11:45 and bushwacked to a meadow for lunch and views of the Wellsville mountains across Cache Valley. A few drops fell from the overcast sky, a warning of the possibility of rain. After lunch most went back, but four hikers, Deanna, Tawnya, Becky and Dan, continued on toward the northwest and the Big Baldy Trail. 

The four walked a short way down the Millville Canyon road and easily found the trail. There were a few steep sections but it was mainly an easy grade. Ravens cawed from above as they reached the goal about 1:30, the ridge west of Big Baldy, with great views of Cache Valley. Becky and Tawnya continued out on the ridge to the west for an extra 2/3 mile while Deanna and Dan turned back and waited at the top of Millville Canyon.  The four hikers joined back up about 3:00 and hurried down the trail in an unsuccessful attempt to get back before the rain began.  They reached their cars about 5:00, after hiking the last mile of so in the rain.    .

GPS tracks show most hikers went about 9 miles with 2200 feet of ascent.  Becky and Tawnya went 13.5 miles with about 2900 feet of ascent, while Dan and Deanna went about 12.5 miles with 2700 feet of ascent. 

Trip Summary:
  • Sixteen participants:  David W,  Jane, Dave W, Dave P, Susan, Deanna, Michelle, Laurel, Chris,  Kris, Brent, Richard, Robert, Becky, Tawnya, Dan (leader) and Jasper (dog)
  • Drove 16 miles to Leatham Hollow in the Left Hand Fork of Blacksmith Fork Canyon
  • Started hiking about 8:45, lunch at the top of Leatham Hollow 11:30 - 12:15, back at the beginning 2:30 (5:00 for the four Big Baldy hikers). 
  • Overcast skies, with rain about 4:30
  • 9 miles and 2200 feet of ascent for most, up to 13.5 miles with 2900 feet of ascent for the others

Thanks to Dan for the narrative and photos, Tawnya, Deanna, Dave P, Dave W and Susan for photos and Dave W and Becky for GPS data.

Trailhead
At the trailhead, 1/4 mile from our cars
Overlook
At the overlook
Overlook
View from the overlook, down Leatham Hollow toward the Left Hand Fork
Lunch
Lunch
Viewing the Wellsville Mountains from our lunch spot
Enjoying lunch in a field of flowers
Leatham Top
Big Baldy Trail
At the top of Leatham Hollow
The Big Baldy Trail
Big Baldy
Looking west from the Big Baldy ridge toward Cache Valley
Trail
Rose
Hiking down the Leatham Hollow trail
Rose
Enchantress
Enchanter's nightshade and "blue" columbine
Clarkia
Rubber boa
Diamond Clarkia
Rubber Boa
Dandelions
Mushrooms
Mountain dandelions
Mushrooms
Map
Our GPS track shows about 9 miles and 2200 feet of ascent and descent.
You can look at our route using Google Earth or download our GPS file.
Map
Profile
The Big Baldy hikers traveled up to 13.5 miles with 2900 feet of ascent