50.15 Utah, the Park State: Mill Creek Canyon: Grandeur Peak, surely it can't get any better? A Mountain Vase.

From the peak, looking up at the world below.
Bush- and color-whacked.
This was another tough hike, reaching 3,000 feet from where we commenced (below trailhead), but perhaps one of the most colorful. To say it was superb in all respects is an understatement. Tucked away in Mill Creek Canyon, it's more isolated and quieter than the canyons of Big and Little Cottonwood. Who's comparing? This was a treat for anyone able to negotiate the strenuous nature of the trail. In the last week, each day the fall foliage has superseded that of the previous views. These may be the best we have ever witnessed.

What added to the day's feast was reaching heights and peering down onto the clustered trees and bushes in all hues of autumn shades. The strength of the colors, rich and bold, captivated the eyes at each moment of the trek. We remember spending much time in Bulgaria a couple of years ago during the season change. At the time, we thought we were witnessing the best possible show of autumn. We think we were premature in our judgement. Won't be the last time either. 

We deleted a fortune of photographs and then after a while, selected and assembled a few, but still twice the norm. There's a certain irony in that each hike's photographs are rated with reference to the respective hike. On an 'okay hike' scenery-wise, one may have forty reasonable photographs. On a great hike with visuals, there may be 140 terrific pictures. Yet, each hike will usually display the same basic number. 

It was indeed grand, a grand privilege to be at Grandeur.

A Knock-out.

Can't get higher on Grandeur Peak.

A view from the small but high peak: a couple of lakes and a golf course.

Change direction of sight: Downtown Salt Lake City.

The City and Lake from Grandeur Peak.

Grandeur Peak is deceptive. The peak protrudes as seen in the photograph. However, there's a deep depression before it and thus when a person crests what appears to be the summit, one still has to hike down and then ascend again. These false peaks really can get to one.

Reluctantly, let's go home.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey