Mount Baldy (3,374m) is the highest point on the ridge that separates the Alta and Snowbird ski areas in the Wasatch mountain range in Utah.

A panorama from the trig station on the top of Mount Baldy, Alta, Utah.
A panorama from the trig station on the top of Mount Baldy, Alta, Utah.

I attended the Evolution conference in Snowbird in 2013 from 21-25 June 2013. The first day was just a registration and reception in the early evening, so I headed off in the morning to get to a high point. The walk started from my accommodation in Alta village and ascended via Cecret (Secret) Lake.

A panorama of Cecret (Secret) Lake, Alta, Utah.
A panorama of Cecret (Secret) Lake, Alta, Utah.

The hike was gorgeous and I had great fun running down a large snow field on the way down, but I took a bit too much time and missed most of the reception. That was not my worst mistake though. I spent the whole summer day mostly above 3000m altitude with no sunscreen on, and frequently with snow reflecting the sun back up onto my face. I got the worst sunburn on my face that I have ever had and I was red as a tomato for the whole meeting. It was very painful, embarrassing and if I get a face melanoma it was from this hike. Always wear sunscreen!