I am not sure if there was ever a more suited name for a lake than that of Desolation Lake. After hiking up the Mill B Fork Trail, I was feeling vigorous, energized and perhaps overly optimistic. I came to a fork in the road, a choice point: to turn back, to take the easy hike to Dog Lake, or press on and trek through thick, sloshing snow, uphill, minus snowshoes, to that lake called (dramatic pause…) Desolation. The choice is obvious – I chose Desolation. So off we went. Leaving melodrama to the Greeks, a necessary description of practical information is at hand. The hike can be found at the fork of the Mill B Fork trail after hiking two miles, the base of which is located off the highway about nine miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon. To reach Desolation Lake, one must hike another two miles.

Keep in mind that four miles of uphill terrain and four miles of hiking uphill through snow are two entirely different scenarios. I felt as if I was jogging through sand on a beach, yet instead of a cool salty sea breeze and a bathing suit, a biting waft of high mountain air filled my lungs. I trekked forward steadily, and as my body began to heat, I peeled off each layer of clothing. First the scarf, then the feather down coat and the two zip-up sweatshirts; I could hardly believe I was hiking in a thin summer T-shirt in winter mountain temperatures.

Apparently I was not the only one heating up! I spotted one snowshoeing man in only spandex shorts. While spandex shorts might be a bit bare for you (and me for that matter), I definitely recommend wearing layers that are easy to remove and secure as you hike.

Avoid misinterpreting my introduction and do allow me to persuade you that the hike is definitely worth taking. After about a mile of toil and sweat through steep terrain, the trail levels to a steady incline and being a clear day, the sun beamed down on the sparkly snow. It was astonishingly beautiful: masses of layered aspens standing like soldiers of an army brigade and the robust thriving pines covered in wads of snow, intermittently spread throughout the scenery.

With each turn came breathtaking views of a new angle of the canyon, a winding stream, and a wide valley covered in untouched snow embedded with what looked like millions of diamonds. While the trail is difficult without snowshoes, it offers rewarding feasts for the eyes.

You will not be lonely on this trail. I encountered a number of men and women snowshoeing or hiking in proper boots and ski poles and camouflage bow-and-arrow deer hunters scoping the land.

It is a popular destination for outdoor lovers because of its proximity to the city. Depending on how fast you are the hike should take approximately two hours one direction. Remember, the trail is steep, the snow is deep and preparation will make this hike enjoyable.

Sturdy waterproof hiking boots and snowshoes are recommended. Using ski poles can ease the hiking experience. Wear many layers of clothing that you can easily put in a backpack or tie around your waist as you will get warm with the exercise. Plan on this hike taking a few hours since it is actually four miles up from the Big Cottonwood Canyon Road to Desolation Lake. Don’t forget snacks and water. Even in the winter, you’re body needs to be hydrated.

Growing weary of hiking knee deep in snow for near two hours, having soaked pants, and near ready to turn my sworn vegetarian ways to carnivore or even cannibal – like gnawing on my left arm – I learned a lesson on preparation: Snowshoes and snacks do not do any good on a hike if left in the car. Here I reached another choice point: to continue forward and risk losing my fingers for food or to accept defeat and turn back home. Feeling melancholy and fatigued, I solemnly ruminated on my failed hiking endeavor. I felt my hike was cut short, but alas, the price was too high to continue.

In myth my hike might be a desolate failed hero’s journey; in reality, it was difficult, but beautiful and rewarding despite my early surrender.

IF YOU GO:

• Drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon for nine miles. Park on the left side of the highway and there is an obvious sign at the base of Mill B Fork Trail. After two miles up Mill B. Fork Trail you will come to a fork in the road. Take the right fork for Desolation Lake and the left fork for Dog Lake (which is much shorter than the Desolation lake trail).

• Go in the early-morning hours. The sun melts the snow in the afternoon and slushy muddy snow is worse than deep snow.

• Wear layers and waterproof shoes.

• Snowshoes are recommended.

• Bring water and snacks.