Flashback: Stewart Falls Hike - May 17, 2008

These pictures don't tell the whole story of this ADVENTUROUS hike! It may have been mid-May when we set out to hike Stewart Falls, but due to the long winter and continuous snow storms there was actually still a LOT of snow covering the north-facing trails.

We were determined to go on this hike, though, despite being improperly prepared for the hiking conditions. We held hands, climbed through slushy snow and did our best to stay on the trail and not slide down the mountain side. At one point, our dog Mischa did slide off the trail and if it wasn't for her leash and a snug-fit collar, she would have been a goner :)

This is a great family hike (in dry conditions) and normally can be done round trip within a couple of hours or so. However, due to the snow and mud, we were on the mountain a good 4-5 hours! Needless to say, it was an adventure worth remembering and we were all so happy to finally make it back to the van at the bottom of the trail. I think the kids passed out pretty quickly in their car seats and I'm sure if Mischa could have spoken she would have asked if we could put her up for adoption to a "normal" family that just takes walks around the neighborhood.

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Click on any picture to view FULL SIZE in a new window.

By the way, for anyone that has not hiked to Stewart Falls and would like to do it, here are some basic instructions for getting there and enjoying the hike:

• How To: http://www.ehow.com/how_2075402_hike-stewart-falls-utah.html
• Info from UtahValley.org: http://www.utahvalley.org/things-to-do/default.aspx?detailID=900
  
• Pack water (more than you think you'll need) and snacks in some backpacks and also a light jacket as temperature changes are frequent in the mountains, especially as you get around the waterfall. If you have a light umbrella or rain poncho, then bring that as well.
• Wear comfortable clothing and good hiking boots or shoes. Do not wear sandals or flip-flops as this is a dirt trail and there are some areas with loose rock, gravel, etc.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen/sunblock
• A very basic first aid kit is always a good idea when hiking in the event of scratches, cuts or blisters.
  
• Remember to bring a digital camera or video camera and be sure to take the little ones to the restrooms BEFORE setting out on the trail.
• Plan on at least 2-3 hours for the round-trip hike, possibly longer, depending upon your fitness level and the ages of your children.
• Drive up Provo Canyon and turn left at the Sundance Ski Resort turn
• Continue past Sundance Resort until you see a parking lot and trail head for Stewart Falls
• There may be a Ranger booth that you pass through and need to pay an entrance fee of a few dollars per vehicle, but I'm not 100% sure on this
• Hike at a pace comfortable to the slowest in your group. You don't want to get to the waterfall only to realize someone is so wiped out they are not physically able to make the hike down.