Sometimes life gets in the way. It has been 5 months since our last real adventure, because that's exactly what has happened. We are excited to get back out there! It's been a hot summer with fires all over the western states, Utah included. We took our chances and headed north to the Tushar Mountains east of Beaver hoping to escape the smoke. A year ago we hiked up
Mt. Holly and discovered the Skyline National Recreational Trail; here we are 1 year later to hike a section of the trail.
 |
We met up at the Skyline Lodge at Eagle Point Ski Area near Beaver.
We left a car here and shuttled to the Big Flat Trailhead, so we didn't have to back track. |
 |
| Views of the grassy meadow at the Big Flat Trailhead at 10,000 ft. elevation |
 |
| The trail begins just beyond the trees |
 |
| Despite the drought, recent rains bring forth mushrooms |
 |
After walking through the thick forest this is our first viewpoint
looking towards North Fork of City Creek, it's a little smoky from the fires. |
 |
| Though poisonous, Toadstools are always fun to come across on in the forest |
 |
| Doesn't this look refreshing? |
 |
| There are several trails that intersect the Skyline Trail, be sure to take a map |
 |
| Taking a scenery break; that's Mt. Holly with Lake Peak in the foreground |
 |
| We had to check the map often just to make sure we were on the right trail |
 |
| Now we know we are on the right trail |
 |
| We are approaching a nice meadow near the base of Mt. Holly |
 |
| I spotted these White Marsh Marigold growing in the lush grass near Lake Stream |
 |
| Lake Stream flows into Puffer Lake |
 |
| Chipper had a great time on this hike |
 |
| Here we are . . . Mary, John, Kent and Allison |
 |
| Heading back down the trail. Notice the smoke in the distance, we are above the smoke! |
 |
That's Lake Peak . . . a hike for another day.
If Kent has his way, it will be sooner than later! |
 |
| An old boardwalk in need of repair keeps our feet dry from the seeping hillside |
 |
John & Mary work their way out of this "trench" that is going
to be used for a snowmaking system at Eagle Point Ski Resort.
All in all, we hiked about 7 miles from Big Flat one-way back to the Skyline Lodge.
Climbing out of this "trench" reminds me
of what we've overcome "when life gets in the way." |
