Snowshoeing - Rattlesnake Creek to Alpine Pond, Cedar Breaks NM 1/16/24

Stunning views of Cedar Breaks NM!

Itinerary:

Arrive at Trailhead

Snowshoe Out and Back - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Directions: Rattlesnake Creek Trailhead, Cedar Breaks

Parking - If you can’t park at Rattlesnake Creek Trailhead due to snow, continue south down road 1 mile or so and park at the junction where the 143 south bound dead ends and 143 turns east bound. Snow Parking 

Activity: 

Snowshoe Rattlesnake Creek to Alpine Pond

2 Routes: 

1) Fairly Flat or 2) Down and Up (Both beautiful views of Cedar Breaks) 

Fairly Flat: 1.2 miles round trip

Start at Rattlesnake Creek Trailhead. Continue along the road southbound past North View Look out, past Snow Parking listed above. This whole time flanking the road and snowshoeing the ridgeline. At Snow parking lot, continue south following the ridge line. From Rattlesnake to Snow parking lot and back again.

Down and Up: 3.4 miles

If feeling more ambitious, contine south from Snow parking lot above the ridge line to Alpine Pond. See alltrails link below. This adds and additional 2.2 miles to trip so total round trip from Rattlesnake Creek: 3.4 miles All Trails Trip Report

• Note: Always check avalanche conditions on utahavalance.com and trailforks app avalanche layers before heading out. 

• Check UDOT for Gate Closures. If recent bad storm in this area, gate will be closed at mile marker 17 on 143. If still safe conditions, you can snowshoe this road up to Rattlesnake Creek or beyond. 

• Distance from Mile Marker 17 to Rattlesnake is: 1 mile. So 2 miles round trip. 

• Distance from Mile Marker 17 to Snow Parking Lot 2.2 miles so 4 miles total. 

Alternate Route: Up and Down Snowshoe Route:  Rattlesnake Creek Trail. All Trails Trip Report

No cell reception. No bathrooms.

Gear: Cross-country skiis/poles/shoes (can rent), gaiters (optional - can rent), (NO COTTON) thermal top and bottom (synthetic yoga pants), wool socks or just not cotton socks, snow pants (if it will be snowing, otherwise they get too hot), long sleeve fleece, light waterproof jacket, gloves, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, camelback or regular back pack (with space remaining to shove clothes in when you get too warm), 1 Liters water, 3-4 snacks +road trip snacks and such.

Rentals:

Cross Country Skis/poles/shoes: rent BYU or UVU night before as a 2 day rental