Sunset Peak, 10648 feet/3245 meters above the sea level
Alta, Utah (24 mi./39 km. from home)
After our attempt to ascend Sunset Peak back in June 2004 was thwarted by large snowcap from Albion Basin to the mountain, I decided it was time to try and to revisit this attempt to summit Sunset Peak. It is a relatively short hike, starting at the Albion Basin campground parking lot at approximately 9400 feet, climbing about 1250 feet to the summit. Also, the previous weekend, there was a wildflower festival in the village of Alta nearby. So, it had to signify that it was a prime time for viewing the wildflowers of the Wasatch Mountains.
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The trailhead starts at the parking lot just before the Albion Basin campgrounds, as there is a sign marking the way. The path traverses the Alta Ski Resort, as one would pass two ski lifts along the way. The landscape is mostly consisting of large boulders and rocks, as well as numerous wildflowers such as golden buckwheat, balsamroots, etc... The path climbs steady in places, often traversing open fields along the way.
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The path climbs up to a point where it meets the ." At this intersection, there are many boulders where one can rest and enjoy the views to Lake Catherine. Here the trail splits up, either going down to lake Catherine or continuing uphill. We continued uphill and went along the trail which became rather sandy. One could begin to notice the trees in the area, though some were dying.
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After hiking through the sandy trail, we came to another T point. The signs there indicated that the Albion Basin was to the right, however I do not recall whether if it pointed the direction to Sunset Peak. We went to the left nevertheless, and soon enough, we found the rocky trail towards the summit. It follows along this ridgeline up towards the summit. The trail crosses some beautiful rock formations and is spotted with some wildflowers as well. Here, thistles were very noticeable. The weather changed very quickly, and a thunderstorm was moving closer to us.
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As we approached the summit, we met a group of two couples which were freaking out 'cos they had seen lightnings and were fleeing the summit. They were telling us to descend right away. However, one guy said that we were like only 100 feet from the summit around the corner. So, we decided to continue to the summit and to look around for a short time before descending. Several prominent places were visible from this summit, such as Mount Timpanogos to the south, Pioneer Peak to the east, Lakes Catherine, Martha and Mary to the north and Mount Tuscarora.
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We ate lunch, which consisted of Vietnamese bánh mí sandwiches and water, at the summit. We decided against all logics that it wasn't dangerous anymore, since the weather seemed to start clearing up. We received surprise visits from local residents known as chipmunks. They were soliciting for our food! It is such a shame when you see animals depending on you to give them food. They have definitely learned this behavior from the frequent visitors of the peak.We gave them some breadcrumbs from the sandwich, which they grabbed quickly and gobbled up!
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We made our way back down, and it was at this point where I started photographing more of the views and the trail itself. One can notice that the trail goes along rock formations and fields covered with native wildflowers. It smelled extremely nice, a complimentary mix of evergreen trees with wildflowers growing in the area. Looking back, I should have tried continuing to Pioneer Peak since it was just right around the corner from the Sunset Peak. Perhaps next time! ;)
