Hiking Flagstaff Peak from Alta

From the large parking lot above Alta Lodge up Little Cottonwood Canyon east of Salt Lake City, Utah, right where the road is blocked off this time of year, there is a trail that heads up the hill, due north. About a mile up this trail (which for this first mile looks like a 4-wheel drive road) the trail actually turns right and winds its way up to the pass overlooking the Mill D South Fork trail and drainage into Big Cottonwood Canyon. I missed the right hand turn at that 1 mile point and went up the chute through some old mining activity. Copper on the rocks was frequently observed. It was actually easier up the chute than on the trail at this time of year because of a crusty layer of snow that was on parts of the trail. The scenery was spectacular. Alpine peaks surround the area. Snow was only in the shady areas and on the north slopes. It took me exactly 2 hours round trip and the distance is about 3.5 miles. You will climb about 1900 feet to an elevation of about 10,500 feet. It's an easy hike until right at the end where an old mine has been wired shut.