Via Silver Glance L/Red-White Baldy Pass

Approach

From the mouth of American Fork Canyon (set odometer at the junction where SR 146 and SR 92 meet), drive up the canyon for 5.2 miles. Take a left to the North Fork Road. Follow this road to mile 7.4 at the Tibble Fork Reservior. Continue on the road to mile 8.6. This is where the Silver Lake Flat Road begins on the right and just after the Granite Flat Campground. Take this road. The road is farily steep and has sharp switchbacks, but any car can make it to the trailhead in summer. Follow the road to its end. Note that there is no overnight camping allowed on any part of the road and that the only overnight parking allowed is for those who are backpacking into the Lone Peak Wilderness.

Route Description

This is a very spectacular and scenic route. The trail is heavily used to Silver Lake, but beyond this lake, the there is no trail and the route offers solitude. From the trailhead, follow the heavily-used and well marked trail which reaches Silver Lake after 1.7 miles. This is a very scenic lake with a huge rock buttress rising above the lake. There are good views of Mount Timpanogos as well and the Timp "Glacier" is visible. The next objective is Silver Glance Lake. Notice the stream coming down from the lake. The best way to Silver Glance Lake is to follow the minor spur on the right (east side of the stream) and up to the lake. The route is steep and doesn't have a trail, but isn't too difficult. Following the stream itself is not recommended. Silver Glance Lake is about a mile from Silver Lake. From near Silver Glance Lake, the views to the south and Mount Timpanogos are even better, and Red Baldy is visible. Notice the pass to the NW of Silver Glance Lake. This is your objective. There is a cliff to skirt, but the route is very obvious and highly visible from Silver Glance Lake. The pass is one spectacular place, with White Pine Lake glistening below and to the north and Silver Glance Lake to the south.

From the pass, climb west up the east ridge of White Baldy for 0.5 miles. You must bypass some pinnacles on the north and then on the south side of the ridge. There is a bit of scrambling, but the summit isn't too far away. Enjoy the views from the summit.

Total elevation gain is about 3800 feet and the route is 7.6 miles round trip.

Essential Gear

A good pair of boots is needed. Consider taking an ice axe before July.

Images

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