This was my first attempt at an 11er in Little Cottonwood Canyon and a great learning experience in route finding. The trail has NO signs or directions and I figured out quickly that I need to learn the mountain and pass names. I got there about 5:30am, but wasted 45 minutes trying to find the trail head. I also made a wrong turn that a hunter helped me find the way. This trail is up Cardiff Pass. A couple of keys. The trail breaks off the road straight north. Don't take any other spur. Stick to the main trail and use the switchbacks. The trail to Cardiff Pass (to the west) follows the electrical wires. It is very steep to Cardiff Pass. This was my first time to the ridge between Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. Pretty amazing just to crest Little Cottonwood. When you head to Superior, I recommend cutting in front (to the south) of the first peak contrary to the book. There is a lot less exposure. I ran out of time to summit Superior. It looks pretty intimidating as can be seen in the picture above from the saddle. Apparently on the other side is one of the worst cliffs in Salt Lake. I am looking forward to going back and making the summit. I could probably do it inside of four hours.
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