Cardiff Fork (Mill D South) holds a special place in my heart. My family has a cabin here and I have spent a lot of time exploring the different parts of this canyon. There are loads of old mines in this canyon and especially in Cardiff Fork. I have always been fascinated with old mines which is why I want to share this one with you.
This cache is located up Big Cottonwood Canyon on the old mine road above Doughnut Falls. It's accessible year-round.
Summer: Drive 8.9 miles from the base of Big Cottonwood Canyon to the Cardiff Fork parking lot on the Southeast side of the road. Then, drive up Cardiff Fork 0.8 miles (the road turns from pavement to dirt) to the parking lot for the Donut Falls trailhead. Don't take the Donut Falls trail. Instead hike up the old mining road (you cross a bridge over a small creek and then walk around a closed gate). There are several forks in the trail, but you won't get confused if you stay on the main road which usually forks to the right going up.
Winter: Drive 8.9 miles from the base of Big Cottonwood Canyon to the Cardiff Fork parking lot on the Southeast side of the road. Park in the parking lot because the smaller road will be closed to cars. Then, walk up the road to the Donut Falls Trailhead. As you walk up the road (stay straight) don't take any turns into the private property areas. Once you get past the road onto the snow trail, you will see several forks, always fork to the right going up.
Cache: Ammo can.