Taking the Scenic Crescent Lift to See the Changing Leaves in Park City, Utah

On October 1, 2021October 1, 2021 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Utah3 Comments

During the summer and autumn months in Park City, there are a few lifts that will take you into the mountains where you can have amazing views. There are less lifts available in the autumn season, but with the leaves changing, it is absolutely stunning. The scenic crescent lift is located at the adventure park with the mountain coaster, alpine slide, and other family activities. The lift is used for transporting mountain bikers and their bikes as well as hikers or those just wanting to enjoy the views to mid-mountain.

Unfortunately for us, to get tickets for the scenic crescent lift you have to wait in the same line as the people getting tickets for all of the other activities at the mountain adventure park, which took us about thirty minutes. Fortunately, once we had our tickets, there was no line to get on the lift and we were quickly on our way up the side of the mountain to enjoy the amazing views. The lines for the other activities were much longer as it was a Saturday and families were taking advantage of everything that the adventure park had to offer.

Looking Off to the Left from the Chair Lift

Unless you decide to hike all of the way down, you take the lift back down to the base of the mountain, which provides a completely different view than those on the way up the mountain. The leaves were still in the process of changing, so there was quite a variety of colors as we we rode the lift and when we walked around after getting off at mid-mountain. Although it was worth the wait in order to get our tickets, we probably would have preferred to go on a weekday had we known about the crowds.

The View of the Steep Descent to the Base

Colorful Scenery on the Holly’s Trail in Canyons Village Near Park City, Utah

On September 27, 2021September 27, 2021 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Hiking, Utah1 Comment

There are obviously many wonderful trails in the vicinity of Park City in Utah and we chose to hike the Holly’s Trail, which was located near our resort. Although the trail starts at the base of a ski lift, once you climb up and away from the village, it then heads into the trees and you almost forget that you are located amongst the ski runs. Parts of the trail are moderate and other parts are easy, which makes it a great choice for anyone wanting to get out and explore nature without having to do a strenuous hike. Just because you are hiking the mountains that are used for skiing, they still attract a variety of animals during the summer and autumn months, so it is important to keep you eye out as you hike.

It was a little warmer than we expected, but still the weather was nice and the skies were clear. The trees had started to turn and we were pleased to see a variety of golden yellow and burnt orange foliage throughout our hike. As we hiked higher above the Canyons Village, we were greeted with wonderful views of the valley below. It was definitely an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon and enjoy the natural beauty of the Utah mountains. We had a wonderful time in during our trip to Park City and getting out to do some hiking was certainly a highlight of our time there.

Looking Down at the Lift Where the Trail Starts

Going on Leisurely Hikes During the Autumn Season

On September 16, 2021September 16, 2021 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Colorado4 Comments

We love hiking year-round, but it can be especially rewarding during autumn when the leaves are changing to their vibrant colors. We are heading to Park City, Utah this coming weekend and we are expecting to see at least pockets of Aspen tree groves turning to their golden color. Throughout the years, we have made sure to get into the mountains during September to see the beautiful leaves and although each year is very similar, each year is also unique. Depending on how much rain the mountains have gotten or whether there has been frost or snow already can certainly change how dramatic the autumn colors are when we go hiking. Generally speaking, when we go hiking during autumn, it is more about the beautiful scenery and less about going on a strenuous hike, so these hikes are some of the most enjoyable.

The great thing about hiking in the high country is that you get a mix of seeing the changing colors up close as well as the tapestry of colors across the skyline. The park that we usually hike in September is located on the backside of Pikes Peak and the scenery is always amazing regardless of the time of year. The colors are mostly the golds and yellows of the aspen groves surrounded by the deep greens of the pine trees, which is different than the reds and oranges that you find in most other places. If you get a chance to visit Colorado in autumn, we’d highly recommend that you get into the mountains, even if just by car.