July 15 – Sept. 2, 2022
We’re still in Heber City, Utah at Mountain Valley RV Resort. In my last post, I described the resort and some of the amenities. I have to admit that we spent so much time on the Pickleball courts that it was hard to fit in other activities. We did try.
Mirror Lake Highway
Early in our stay we decided to leave the resort and drive the scenic Mirror Lake Highway.
Mirror Lake Highway stretches 42 miles along state Route 150 and is one of the most popular mountain driving routes in the state. It begins in Kamas, Utah and ascends high into the Uinta Mountains cresting at 10,715 feet at Bald Mountain Pass, and then descends past Hayden Peak, Kletting Peak and Holiday Park Peak before meeting with the Wyoming border. This scenic byway has many overlooks, picnic areas, waterfalls, lakes, trails and campgrounds. This mountain range is one of the few in North America that runs east to west rather than north to south.
Visit Utah
We didn’t attempt the entire drive but stopped instead at Mirror Lake so that we could do the 1 1/2 mile hike around this beautiful lake.
The scenery was gorgeous and the easy hike was great! Retracing our route down from the lake, we stopped at Provo Falls.
The Provo River tumbles over a series of scenic waterfalls as it flows along Hwy 150 in the Uinta Mountains. A signed parking area and overlook are provided along the highway. A short trail leads from the overlook down to the river. Spur trails run up and down the river to the waterfalls.
Utah.com
Guardsman Pass Scenic Byway
Later in our stay we decided to devote a gorgeous Friday to a scenic drive through Midway to Guardsman Pass Scenic Byway.
This popular summer and fall scenic drive climbs up approximately 7 miles of paved road to the summit at 9,717 feet elevation in the Wasatch Mountain range. This well-trafficked pass is open during the SUMMER SEASON ONLY. The road is not maintained during the winter season, making the vast land area accessible via snowmobiles, snowshoes, or cross-country skis.
In the summer months, visitors pass fields of wildflowers flanked by evergreens, aspen trees, and other lush mountain foliage. There are multiple trails accessible from Pine Canyon Road and along Guardman Pass. The scenery is most spectacular during fall, when the aspens turn orange and yellow and oaks radiate hues of red. Views from the ridge overlooking Heber Valley, Snyderville Basin, and the Salt Lake Valley seem endless.
gohebervalley
We continued over Guardsman Pass into Big Cottonwood Canyon.
Big Cottonwood Canyon Drive
This 15-mile drive provides access to excellent hiking, fishing, picnicking, rock climbing, and camping. During the mid-1800s, Old West miners sought their fortune in gold and silver ore here. Remnants of old mines can be spotted from trails winding up the slopes. Located in the Uintah-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, Big Cottonwood Canyon is home to Solitude and Brighton ski resorts. Both have full-service, year-round facilities. From Brighton there are several easy trails leading to various lakes, including Twin Lakes, Lake Mary, Lake Martha, and Dog Lake. The canyon is a protected watershed area and no dogs are permitted. Wilderness areas are located to the north and south.
visitsaltlake
After concluding our drive through Big Cottonwood Canyon, we decided to investigate nearby Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Little Cottonwood Canyon Byway
This seven mile scenic byway enters the canyon near Granite, Utah where Mormon settlers quarried granite slabs for the Salt Lake Temple.
The canyon is home for two of Utah’s ski and summer resorts. At world class Snowbird, Utah’s only aerial tramway carries visitors to the roof of the Rockies for a panoramic view from 11,000-foot Hidden Peak. One mile further is Alta. Notorious for shootings in its 26 saloons during the mining days of the 1860’s and 70’s, Alta died quickly, but livened up again in 1938 as the seat of Utah’s first ski resort. The Albion Basin becomes a hikers and mountain bikers paradise once the snow has all melted.
Utah
We turned around at the Snowbird Ski Resort. They were holding an Octoberfest Festival there but it was closed on Friday (only open Saturdays and Sundays). Boo!
As we exited the canyon we had a great view of the Salt Lake City Valley.
The Restaurants
In addition to taking some scenic drives, we of course sought out good restaurants in the area. Our favorite restaurant was Prime Steak and Piano Bar in Park City. Prime steak served on sizzling hot platters, family-style sides, good wine, live music, and awesome attentive service – what’s not to like?
On the recommendation of friends, we also tried the Blue Boar Inn and Restaurant in Midway. The old style European chateau is beautiful. Each of the 12 guest rooms is named and decorated after a famous literary figure. We decided to start with a pre-dinner drink in the Truffle Hollow Pub. Then we moved to the formal dining room for dinner.
Other notable finds included:
- Sol Agave in American Fork – great Mexican food
- Bombay House in Provo – good Indian food
- Back 40 Ranch House Grill in Heber City
- Village Pizza in Midway
Needless to say we certainly didn’t starve.
Back to Colorado
Our 6 weeks here in Utah is at an end. We’ll soon be back in Colorado. See you there!
