Backpacking - Willow Lake 7/21/23

Great easy hike in and perfect for first time backpackers.

Itinerary:

Day 1:

Carpooling - 3:00 pm

Trailhead - 4:00 pm

Hike - 4:15 pm - 5:30 pm

Set-Up Camp - 5:45 pm

Dinner - 6:00 pm

Optional Hike (Sunset Peak) - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Day 2:

Pack Camp - 9:00 am - 9:30 am

Hike Back - 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Drive Home - 10:30 am - 11:30 am

Directions: Willow Heights Trailhead, Big Cottonwood Canyon

Activity: Backpacking Willow Lake - a 2.5 mile loop trail. A moderately steep dirt trail with several turns so watch your navigation. Ends in a beautiful small lake. You can walk around the lake. Camping on the northwest side of the lake. Great easy hike in and perfect for first time backpackers. All Trails Report

Tip:There were a lot of biting flies until past sunset. Bug spray helped minimally. None were seen on the recon just 2 weeks prior. I'd recommend a bug net for head and long sleeve shirts and pants. Most bites I got were in the small area of available skin between my ankle socks and pant bottom.

Gear: Thin T-shirt, thin long-sleeve shirt, fleece, puffy coat, rain jacket, shorts or hiking pants, swimming suit, running shoes, hiking boots, 2 L water, water filter (can rent), 8-10 snacks, 65+ liter backpack with waistbelt, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, first aid kit, sleeping bag (warmest you can get - down is preferred) (can rent), sleeping pad (can rent), tent (can rent), headlamp, pj's, toiletries, dehydrated or backpacking meals

Rentals (2 day):

- Tents (2 man - $13, 4 man - $22 BYU Outdoors Unlimited; 2 man - $14, 4 man - $18 UVU Outdoor Adventure Center)

- Sleeping bags (0 degree - $22, 30 degree - $22 BYU Outdoors Unlimited; 0 degree - $14, 30 degree - $10 UVU Outdoor Adventure Center)

- Sleeping pads (thermarest - $9 BYU Outdoors Unlimited; thermarest - $8 UVU Outdoor Adventure Center)

- Backpacks (85 liter - $12 BYU Outdoors Unlimited; 65 liter - $14 UVU Outdoor Adventure Center)

- Stove with fuel ($8 BYU Outdoors Unlimited; $8 UVU Outdoor Adventure Center)

- Mess kit ($8 BYU Outdoors Unlimited; $10 UVU Outdoor Adventure Center)

- Water Filter ($6 UVU Outdoor Adventure Center)