Mineral Fork
Mineral Fork trail follows an old mining road up to the Wasatch Mine site. The miners of old did not take the easiest route to the top, but rather the quickest. This trail gives new meaning to "lungs of leather" and "legs of steel"!! In this case, this makes for one brutal of a hill climb!! Right from the start you are faced with four nasty switchbacks up from the canyon floor. After two creek crossings the trail becomes a lot better! Enjoy the trail and view because the last mile of the ride is another steep and rocky climb. The scenery and virtual solitude of this ride make it a worthwhile effort!!
How to get there: From I-215, take Exit 6 (look for the signs for the ski areas). Head east to Wasatch Boulevard. At the second light, turn left up Big Cottonwood Canyon. The trailhead is 1.3 miles above the top of the "S" curve in the canyon, on the right hand side of the road.
Length: 5 miles out and back
For
a Topo, click here 
Click on the thumbnails below to see a larger version:
Will climbing one of the four switchbacks at the first of the trail.
Great singletrack
up on top! 
The Wasatch Mine.
The last mile!!
Looking
down Big Cottonwood Canyon, from the 3rd switchback.
Wasatch Mine.
To go back, click on me!