Wood Camp

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Wood Camp, 2 February, 2025

Ten people joined us on Groundhog Day for the Wood Camp hike, eight with snowshoes or boots and two with skis. It had been raining in Cache Valley and snowing in upper elevations, and weather reports called for more of the same. We arrived at the Wood Camp trailhead to find no recent snow, an icy access road and parking area, and a trail with slushy and soft snow. The temperature was 44º F when we started the hike. We had some rain drops but not enough to soak any clothes. The sky was overcast with variable light and dark clouds. The wind was a little gusty starting about lunch time. It was a pleasant hike.

Our drive down the road after the hike was a challenge. The access road had become a 250-yard sheet of ice with melt-water running down the surface. In spite of our best efforts, we slid, skidded, and fishtailed down the slippery slope, a descent of about 75 vertical feet. One driver ended up facing uphill but managed to turn around and navigate safely down the remainder of the hill. A car attempted to drive up the road while all this was going on, but fortunately a passenger in our first vehicle was able to stop it from proceeding, saving the incoming vehicle from the hassle of getting stuck on the hill or colliding with a downhill vehicle, as the icy road did not allow for effective braking.

Trip Summary

Ten Cache Hikers, Brent L, Dave W, Jane, Teresa, Matt, Darci, Bree, Brent J, Hiro and Deanna (leader).
Drove 13 miles to the Wood Camp trailhead
Started on the trail about 10:40, lunch from 12:25 to 12:50, back at the trailhead about 2:00
Overcast skies, mostly calm winds with occasional gusts and a few periods of misty precipitation, and temperatures in the 40s
Everyone traveled about 3.9 miles with 750 feet of ascent (a few others went another 1/4 mile with 40 more feet of elevation)

Thanks to Deanna for the narrative, Jane and Bree for photos, and Dave W for GPS data.


Icy parking at the trailhead

Heading up the Old Juniper trail

Crossing the seasonal creek (left) while others were waiting to continue up the trail (right)

Enjoying lunch at our usual spot

Our GPS track shows about 3.9 miles and 750 feet of ascent (some hikers went a little farther). You can look at our route using Google Earth or download our GPS file.