This weeks FTF we head up Little Cottonwood Canyon here in our backyard for a quick hike into Catherine's Lake via Catherine's Pass just outside the Alta Ski Area boundary. Read on for a little insight for this Wasatch classic. 

But first, coffee at one of our favorite pit stops, La Barba Coffee. Now we are ready! 

Lake Catherine Via Catherine Pass Trail is a 3.9 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located in Alta, Utah that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels.

The trail is primarily used for hiking, fishing, and mountain biking and is best used from June until September due to remaining snowpack. This out and back hike gains just under 1200' in vertical elevation. 

Making a final scramble to Catherine's Lake with Brighton Ski Resort in the background. There are multiple options to and from Catherine's via Alta or the Brighton side. The route via Brighton offers the opportunity to pass multiple high mountain lakes. 

The immediate view when arriving at Catherine's Pass. Your first views of Catherine's Lake are breathtaking, with views of Sunset Peak, Brighton Resort and beyond. 

Don't forget to bring your fly rod as there are hungry high alpine brook trout in this lake that can be caught on a variety of dry flies and sub-surface flies as well. 

While we are on the topic, please remember, Little Cottonwood Canyon is a watershed so refrain from swimming in the lakes in the area and leave the pup at home as dogs are restricted in this canyon.

Quick side scramble excursion above the lake to get a better view of surrounding areas. Rugged and rocky terrain are a perfect testing ground for our rings. Shown here are the Classic Collection Thins in sage and sea foam. 

We love hiking too...scoring a heart shaped piece of granite for a photo op. 

One final look at the Catherine's Lake before scrambling back up the pass to make our way back to the car. Days like this, it's always hard to leave and head back to reality. 

It's safe to say the descent back to the car and town of Alta is equally as beautiful. With views of Cardiff, Flagstaff, and of course the gem of the LCC, Mount Superior. 

One last look at the Devils Castle in Alta Ski Area. It's rumored that the Snow God "Ullr" lives in this area of the mountain as it's known to hold the deepest and softest powder snow long after a storm cycle. But we will haver to wait another month or two for that.

Thanks for tagging along. The Catherine's Trail is best hiked in the summer time to early fall so don't waste any time and get up to Alta and make it happen before the snow flies. 

As always, tread lightly!