Dirt Tour

The ski touring lately hasn't been great.  This morning, my plan was to hike up Cardiff and ski North Superior.  I was up there awhile back and it held some decent snow.  However, as I was heading up, I happened to look up Tanners.  It looked interesting, so I pulled over and started hiking.  I thought I would climb up, ski off the north side into Broads, climb out and hike down. Here's a view midway up -- lots of scrambling and boulder hopping.

From December 5, 2009

Tanners is classic Little Cottonwood granite at the bottom, but up higher, it turns into Big Cottonwood quartzite. The picture isn't good, but there is a point where the transition is quite acute: red quartzite on one side and granite on the other. Anyone know the geological explanation for this?

From December 5, 2009

Going up without the benefit of good snow cover takes a long time. I think it took a little over 2.5 hrs to top out. Off the other side, I was pleased to find some skiable snow.

From December 5, 2009

There were several areas that still held legitimate powder (with some toothy rocks lurking underneath).

From December 5, 2009

When I got to where it was tough to turn, I looked up. I was concerned about having to hike down Tanners since it was quite steep and loose. So I headed out Broads. Here's a view looking back.

From December 5, 2009

The trek out Broads was through about 10 inches of snow. I had to walk most of the way. The highlight out Broads was being followed by a coyote. It would keep its distance, but its yipping and howling was a bit unnerving. I think it was hungry. I hit the BCC road a little under 4 hrs after I left the LCC road. I stuck out my thumb, and immediately got a ride down the canyon. Gotta love the Wasatch.