2025 Wasatch Stewardship Program – Mineral Fork Trail Maintenance with Critical Flow Solutions
Starting early on August 14th, Save Our Canyons headed up Big Cottonwood Canyon to meet a group of 20 dedicated volunteers from Critical Flow Solutions and our friends over at Salt Lake Ranger District. The morning’s goal was to work on the third switchback of the Mineral Fork Trail to re-divert water to flow into the creek rather than further damaging the trail, along with widening a small section just above where water erosion had made the trail difficult to pass. The task at hand would be completed with all manual tools.
Once we reached the worksite, the team split into three focused crews, each taking on a different section.
Two crews took on the water diversion projects. The first group removed built up debris upslope of a water bar that had previously been installed. By using picks and travis hoes, the crew dug an 8-inch by 12-inch trench to allow water to flow freely above the bar and down into the creek. The second group used the same tools and tactics to create two more trenches 50 yards higher on the trail where the majority of the water was pooling.
Our third crew moved up to the next switchback to tackle the trail widening. Using flat hoes and metal rakes, the crew was able to expand the trail by roughly 2ft upslope. Ensuring the hillside remained at an angle lower than 45 degrees to prevent further erosion.
Check out the image gallery below to see some shots of the day’s work. These projects are proof that hands-on stewardship goes a long way in protecting our trails and wild places!
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