Trip Report: Red Baldy/American Fork Canyon

Red Baldy/American Fork Canyon By Barb Gardner
HIKE	10/16/2022	MOD+

The morning greeted us with barely above freezing temperatures. Some debated if they packed enough clothing for the cool crisp air. Monika encouraged the group to quit pondering and took off up the trail at a brisk pace. Soon we were all warm and stripping down some of our layers. The trail starts out in a dense aspen forest that was on display with brilliant shades of yellow and orange. Further along the trail we switchbacked up thru brunt orange oaks until we reached silver lake. After a short break at this gorgeous alpine lake we climbed to silver glance lake that lies directly below an open bowl. The official trail ends here. The ridge that separates American Fork canyon from Little Cottonwood canyon lies above us and is a straightforward steep climb through low growing vegetation and rocks. Once on the ridge you are rewarded with amazing views. White Baldy looms to the west and beyond a stunning view of the Pfeifferhorn dominates the western horizon. Our destination was close as we traversed the ridge to a red peak we thought may be Red Baldly but quickly realized we needed to negotiate a narrow passage with a few class 3 moves to attain the official Red Baldy summit. We retraced our steps back to the car after a well deserved lunch. A glorious day was had by all!