Escape to Our Cool Mountains

Two young moose were feeding quietly in a meadow just 100 yards from me as I strolled along the walkway between Brighton and Silver Lake. I paused and watched them for a minute, lamenting because I didn't have my telephoto lens, trying to decide if I dared move closer to get a photo.

Suddenly the critters stopped eating, looked around and then trotted toward me - right at me, in fact. I snapped a couple photos, all the time wondering if I should be dashing for cover. When they were a couple dozen yards away they veered left and plunged into the willows.

I was thrilled to see the moose, which live in the area and appear in the meadow many evenings. They are wild animals but have grown accustomed to living close to humans. They ignore the humans as long as people keep their distance, but could become dangerous if approached . It is great fun to watch them.

Brighton, a resort town at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon east of Salt Lake City, is best known for its winter skiing. This time of year it is a great place to escape the sweltering heat of summer - a high mountain town where summers are cool and it is pleasant to hike, bike, fish, observe wildlife and just relax.

Wildflowers on Display
Wildflowers are now coming on strong around Brighton and in other northern Utah mountain areas. The nearby Albion Basin is a renowned destination for people who want to view and photograph wildflowers. The east slopes of Mt Timpanogos also produce profuse wildflower gardens.

A couple weekends ago I drove the Kolob Mountain Road and was astounded by the display of colorful flowers. That road stretches from the town of Virgin up past Kolob Reservoir and over the mountain to Cedar City.

Mountain areas throughout Utah now offer wonderful opportunities to view blooms.

High Country Byways
This is a great time to drive any of Utah's high mountain byways. There is still considerable snow at extremely high elevations but all popular mountain roads are open and in generally good condition. This is the time to explore Highway 150 through the Uinta Mountains, where you'll find great roadside campsites, fishing lakes, hiking trails, wildlife viewing areas and other recreational opportunities. The Uinta Mountains also include a large wilderness area offering great opportunity to hike and backpack.

The Skyline Drive, Nebo Loop, Alpine Loop and other backroads also provide access to high mountain recreation areas.

Mountain Golf
Our mountain golf courses are also attractive at this time of year. Excellent courses in Heber Valley, Park City and other areas allow you to enjoy cool air and beautiful scenery while on the links.

Fishing Heats Up
The heat of summer prompts trout to move into deep water in our popular fishing lakes, making them harder to catch. But trout fishing remains very good in the Uinta Mountains and other high-elevation areas. Our trout streams should also provide good fishing. Streams ran extremely high through the spring and early summer; many have only recently returned to normal, fishable flows. See our July fishing report.

Summer brings exciting fishing opportunities for some species. The striped bass in Lake Powell boil on the surface during July and August, where they can be caught readily by anglers fishing shad-imitating lures. Shad are small forage fish and the big, aggressive stripers "herd" them into coves or against canyon walls. The lake's surface appears to boil as shad leap from the water trying to escape the vicious predators. Drag a lure through the boil and stripers will pound it. This is one of the most exciting fishing opportunities ever. For more info see this website: www.wayneswords.com.

Pioneer Day
July 24 is Pioneer Day in Utah, marking the arrival of the Mormon Pioneers and other early settlers. Communities throughout the state host parades, rodeos, firework displays, pancake breakfasts and other events. Visitors are always welcome to join the festivities.

- Dave Webb

See our comprehensive events listing for other activities.

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