USA Bowl

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

A solar aspect, USA bowl doesn't hold good snow as often as other places, but it can be a good destination when the avalanche danger is high due to its relatively shallow slope angle.

Begin at the complimentary parking area near the base of Solitude. Try not to get killed by cars speeding towards Brighton as you cross the canyon road to connect with Old Stage Road. The road skins north until a switch-back bends you east. You could leave the road at this switchback to enter Willow Fork, but let's go to USA Bowl.

Not too long after traveling east, you'll see a skin track leaving the road and heading up into the woods. Follow this until you emerge into the base of USA bowl, a wide open area said to resemble a map of the United States (I don't see the resemblance, but whatever). The line, as drawn on the map, takes you to the saddle overlooking USA bowl to the south, and one of the Monitor bowls to the north. Finding shelter from the wind at the saddle is possible by huddling next to some convenient trees. Rip the skins, and get ready to rock!

After doing laps in USA Bowl, a fun loop may be to skin from the said saddle to Peak 10009 to the west, drop into Willow Fork, then reconnect with Old Stage Road. Or just go back the way you came.