Fall photos in Utah

Looking down at Silver Lake from the trail to Twin Lakes

For the past several weeks, Ann and I have been making forays into our local mountains to try and see the fall colors. It has been dry this year, and there was a marked effect on those trees and shrubs that usually turn red--they were quickly turning brown and dropping their leaves. Still, here and there, were pockets of extreme beauty. The quakies, as usual, were awesome. Thursday (October 4) was likely our last day to get up there before the snow falls and leaves cascade to the ground to make a smell that only wet leaves can make. Branches will then be bare until spring's newness once again refreshes them with spectacular greens. Our first drive was up Provo Canyon, but as early in the season as we went, there was little color to speak of. We didn't even take a picture.

Looking down Big Cottonwood Canyon from the Guardmans Pass Road

Our next drive took us up Big Cottonwood Canyon to Guardsmans Pass. We followed the spectacular scenery down the other side into Midway.

Looking out toward Heber and the smoke that was coming from
several fires, including the one near Spanish Fork Canyon

Our third trip was up the Alpine Loop Road in American Fork Canyon, where again the quakies were amazing. On this trip we saw a small herd of deer and a flock of turkeys--and again, some incredible scenery.

The scenic beauty of Utah's peaks changes almost daily. In fact, daily there are more reasons to go up and see the changes, more reasons to have adventures. As we continued driving around, we realized that without all the duties and responsibilities we had in our lives, we would likely stay up there much longer.

Near the back side of Mt. Timpanogos and looking in the general
direction of Sundance ski resort.

A gorgeous landscape looking toward Deer Creek.

We caught these turkeys on the road in front of us. I got out to
take the pic and followed them.

After a while they got skittish and headed off the road.

And headed for the hills.

I hadn't gotten out for much hiking at all this past spring and summer, so on Sunday I got out for a few hours and hiked up to Twin Lakes, up Big Cottonwood Canyon near Brighton.

Silver Lake near Brighton, Utah.

Twin Lakes area

Looking down on Silver Lake and Brighton lodges

It was a short, but steep hike, and breathtaking in its beauty. I looked around for good spots to picnic, but without company and since there was a lot of people around, I just headed back down the trail after pausing a few moments to take in the scenery.

Someone pointed out this big boy along the trail on the way down.

Last Thursday, October 4, we made it up Little Cottonwood, and again, we were amazed by how picturesque it was.

The following pictures were all taken in Little Cottonwood Canyon.

Absolutely stunning. Now there is snow up there and the leaves will be dropping off. But it was an adventure while it lasted, and with winter coming, there will be more and different things to see. It's always Beautiful.