#1 Donut Falls

January 1, 2016 . What a great way to start my adventures! Blue sky, brisk and beautiful! The hike to Donut Falls was perfect! It is a short hike (.5 miles each way) and not steep until the end. We took snowshoes and I had my shoe claws- not their official name- but they weren't needed on the well worn trail until the snow got deeper and the trail steeper right before the hill up to the cave. At times we stepped through the snow a few feet or slipped on icy spots. Inside the cave it is unbelievably beautiful! So worth the winter weather to see it in this glorious way! The falls come through a hole in the top of the cave and they are partially frozen so icicles cascade down from the ceiling and the water flows in. The inside of the walls are frosty. Donut Falls is a popular hike, especially in the Spring and Fall, but I'm glad we went in the winter because it's breathtaking! All the way back down we were treated with snow laden trees and beautiful vistas of majestic mountains. Beautiful eye candy!

Me and hubby inside the cave with the awesome partially frozen waterfall in the background


Check out this trail on utah.com

My suggested list on what to take on this hike:

1.  Dress according to the weather-

      a. I had on thermals

      b. warm fleece pants

      c. a shirt and vest

      d. a  coat, scarf, gloves

      e. ear band and hat 

      f.  snow boots and gaiters...a new thing I was trying out.      They were warm and kept my legs dry. I love them!

2.  Shoe claws and snowshoes (didn't need the snowshoes)

3.  Water and snacks (especially if you have kids along!)

4.  Hubby had trekking poles...good idea
5.  Take a buddy! I had my husband Max and we had our friend Matt along too.
6.  I always take along a bandana (or tissues), lip balm and hand sanitizer in my pockets
7.  Sunglasses- a must!

                            

Can't beat this after hike reward!

So fun! I'm adding this hike to my annul calendar!