This is another very late post. I apologize for the horrible audio. I changed to a new phone for this trip and didn’t check to see how things sounded. I upgraded from a Pixel 9 Pro to a Pixel 11 Pro so I figured the audio would be at least the same. But it appears to be a buggy camera app. I’ll be sure to bring my external microphones for the next hike if they don’t update the app.
I started the hike before sunrise on a cold, windy morning. At the Alta trailhead, I paid the $12 fee. The QR code didn’t work, so I left cash in an envelope and accidentally walked off with the pen like a knucklehead. As I climbed, the mountain blocked some of the wind, making things more pleasant, and the first light began to reach the peaks.
Listen to this episode here
I saw wildlife along the way. First a small, fluffy animal appeared (I have no idea what it was and it was gone before I could get a pic), then a few creatures bounded off near a steep incline, and later I came across a small herd of deer. The sky grew brighter as I went, and the trail stayed quiet apart from the animals.
Higher up, I reached a ridge and spotted a lake below as the sunrise spread across the mountains. The route covers open meadow, forest, and exposed mountainside. You descend toward the lakes, climb back up, and then head down the other side. I didn’t remember visiting these lakes, even though I had hiked to them from Brighton before.
The lakes had the best views of the day. I visited several of them, watched people fishing and trail running, and stopped to take in the light. At the halfway point, I started back with another steep climb. By then the sun had warmed the air, so I took off my long-sleeved shirt.
Back near the car, I decided the Alta route is more scenic than the Brighton side. Once the trail leaves the ski area, you see fewer people. I like hiking alone, and I’m thinking about marking this route as a favorite.
stats
Length: 7.05 mi
Avg. Pace: 2.5 mph
Elev. Gain: 1,736
Calories: 1,364
Moving Time: 2h 49m
Total Time: 2h 58m
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