Thursday, November 17, 2011

Mount Nebo Hike

There are two things that any one living in Utah Valley for an extended time ought to experience:
  1. Dumpster diving for baked goods
  2. Driving through the Wasatch mountains (Alpine or Nebo Loop) during the autumn color change
And if you have the opportunity, why not hike Mt. Nebo while you’re at it?  I was lucky enough this year to have a spare Saturday the beginning of October just as the colors were most vibrant in the Nebo Wilderness Area.

(Side note: Dumpster diving has been outlawed in Layton, Utah and other places around the country.  And I don't really recommend it for filling your pantry -- I just think it's funny that many college students find dumpster diving a good source of entertainment.  Then again, it is certainly sad to see all that food go to waste.  Check out this video.)
Mt Nebo Autumn

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Provo Peak Hike

Less famous than Timpanogos but no less spectacular, Provo Peak lies just behind the Provo/Orem area.  The hike is enjoyable in both summer and winter seasons.


IMGP0457
Provo Peak (highest point on left) looking from a ridge just behind Y Mount

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Tarantula Hunt

Summertime?  Have any free time?  Instead of watching television, facebooking, or surfing the internet, try spending an evening observing what might come out after sunset...


P6270135

Friday, June 3, 2011

Loafer Hike

Loafer Mountain is nestled within the Wasatch mountain range behind Payson, Utah (roughly 7 miles southeast) and lies within the Uinta National Forest.  The peak overlooking the valley is named Santaquin Peak and it is about a 12 mile roundtrip hike from the trailhead located at GPS coordinates 39°56'26.55"N, 111°38'38.93"W.  Loafer Peak is further southeast and overlooks the valley on the other side of the mountain.  The trail to Santaquin Peak leads through some amazing views and a total elevation change of 3000 feet.  If this trail is taken at the right part of the season, it has a great variety of wildflowers mixed in with the green hills of Loafer.

P7030080
View of Mount Nebo (left) from the green hills below Loafer Peak


Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Snowcaving

Have you ever had the urge to go snowshoeing on a clear winter night?  If you can get high enough and far enough away from the city the view is often very clear and can provide some amazing views, especially if you get to the top just before sundown...

P4170069Provo Peak