7 people, 4 moose, 3 deer, 1 hike and a lake

Willow Heights

So my theory was correct. Give people a little head notice, make a plan before hand, and people will join. 

This rock we are sitting on is at the trail head; We were parked across the street, decided to turn back around to see if we had passed the rock, and ended up turning right into it.... Probably should take a better look next time.

This trail is surrounded by Aspens almost the whole time!

 

 

This hike claims to be a family hike and really easy. Which is true in the fact that it is short, and most members of younger family could finish just fine. However, this would be a tough hike for an elderly crowd. 

As you can see from this picture (kind of) it is pretty steep for the first bit. We were all huffing and puffing a little and the conversation was very minimal through the steep parts. 

There were a few times we would stop along the trail to take pictures, catch our breath, or just look around at the scenery... which of course was GORGEOUS! I know I say that about almost all my hikes, but hey it's true. Our Utah mountains are beautiful, no questions asked.

taking a breather....WHEW!

Don't be worried about the steepness or let it scare you away. After bit of hiking it will level out into a more conversation friendly hike.

It was kind of fun to have a larger group because of the variety in conversation. When it's only 2 of you hiking after a while conversation may come to and end. These are the times you stick in your head phones and listen to a bit of music. I didn't have the chance, nor really care to for this hike. There were different conversations happening between people keeping it interesting, so my Ipod got to take a break for this hike.

Lauren and I both noticed a lot of the aspen trees were being invaded by the pine trees, the picture I got wasn't to bad; other were completely engulfed in the pine tree. Well if the trees can hug, we can hug the trees too.

 

When you come to this meadow you're almost there!
 Just over that hill. 

And there is an awesome view on the other side.

The lake! This picture is from my phone, so you can't tell but there are three moose here...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These two male Moose were bucking for the female

and For good reason.... She's a beauty! (right?)

 Behind these moose is a little path that we could have taken... kind of happy we didn't.  I wouldn't want to be trampled by two male moose who are fighting of a lady... or any moose for that matter.

"Seeing 3 moose was awesome! 2 bucked horns and we thought one would mate with the cow, but it didn't. Scary and cool at the same time :)"

- Lisa Kane

You can barely see the moose in the back ground

We needed to head back before it got to late or dark, but look how pretty!

 

"The acoustics in the woods are great. Sounds of the breeze and wild life carry between the ground and the canopy. The canopy is also thin enough to allow the evening night through the shimmering leaves and reflect of the white aspen bark." -Patrick Kane

 

The deer were in the trees of the meadow.

 

This guy was in the trees on our way back. Took us by surprise

 I think going later in the day was a big reason why we got to see all the wild life. It was awesome, and I'm so happy I had a larger group with me to experience it. 

Location: Willow Heights

Directions:  Drive up Big Cottonwood about 12 miles. You'll see the Silver Fork Lodge on your right, drive 0.2 miles more and park on the right side of the road. The trail head and rock will be on the left side of the road. (BE CAREFUL, AND WATCH FOR TRAFFIC)

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate (steep)

Company: My Ma (Loni Smith), Lori Lawson, Patrick and Lisa Kane, Lauren Turner, and Norman Bryner

Time: 45 minutes up, 30 minutes down

Date: Sept. 11, 2012

Length: 1.5-2 miles

Snack: None
Sorry No dogs or mountain biking allowed on this hike
*Special thanks to Patrick for the pictures!