One of the last and final rights of passage into the winter season is to take one last drive through the Uintas on the Mirror Lake Highway before it closes. We had that opportunity this last weekend, even though most of the fall colors were gone. It was still amazing.
Heading east from Park City toward Kamas, it’s always a reality check to see all the new developments along the way. Apartments, town homes and hidden exclusive new communities with “reduced pricing for fast sale” are everywhere. I’m always taken by surprise with all the new construction in pristine locations.
Driving through Kamas always takes me back to my childhood in Northern Utah. The smell of manure, skunks and coal-burning. Yes I said manure… I actually like the smell of the country. We stopped to fill up the tank and get some snacks for the drive at a local gas station. The locals aways seem nice and inviting in small towns. Is it just me, or do they seem to dress the same too? Every small town, especially here in Utah, seems to have the same look and feel. Not in a bad way, just saying – like the baseball hats, Carhartt overalls or pants, pick-ups and firewood for sale everywhere. I always feel like life slows down and gets a bit more relaxing when I pull into a small town.
As I took a deep breath and savored the country (manure) smells, we were off up the road that goes to Mirror Lake. Along the way, we stopped to take pictures and hike a bit.
The upper Provo River Falls are partially frozen, but amazing in their pre-winter state.
Mirror Lake is always amazing, but this time of year, all but deserted. Half of the lake is now covered in ice. The hiking trails already have a light dusting of snow on them. Still, it’s a great way to take a short hike in one of the most picturesque locations in the state.
Take the time to go see these places before the snow flies and we transition to skiing and snowshoeing.. which is next on the agenda!