Last week, we drove into Indian Canyon and hiked from the trailhead for Grayhead Peak (9500 feet).
The trail still had a lot of snow in the shade, but Daisy didn't mind. All the better for cooling off.
This gray jay, also called a robber or camp jay, kept a close eye on us, following along from tree to tree. I guess he was hoping we'd drop a few crumbs.
We didn't reach Grayhead, but we had a nice view from our trail that follows mountain crests.
Here's one of the Great Basin Bristlecone pines that grow above 8800 feet in this area. They seem to thrive in dry, windy, harsh conditions. Bristlecones can live over 4000 years.
Another fabulous trip ... I so look forward your sharing your ventures with us.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely week.
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon
Beautiful and delightful to see -- so different from here.
ReplyDeleteJanie...beautiful sights...love Daisy on the snow...smart girl...
ReplyDeleteYea! it that a golden Daisy I see resting in the snow. She looks like she has spotted something interesting. It is amazing just how far you can see form your vantage point, Janie. I bet you and Steve never get tired of seeing new vistas.
ReplyDeleteGreat hike! I rememebr being in the moutains in Alberta in June and having a snowball fight with my son and daughter in law on a hot summers day! What lovely views you had.
ReplyDeleteI've found your posts about the Bristlecone pine interesting. My husband has been in scouting for almost 40 years. There used to be a scout camp just above the Emma Park road/Hwy 6 junction called camp Bristlecone. I wonder if it was named for that tree and if it grows in the area--do you know?
ReplyDeleteDaisy certainly looks comfortable on that snow. I love your picture of the snow-capped mountain. Thanks for taking us along on your hike.
ReplyDeleteOh, Janie - I'm hoping the snow around my house is melted by the end of the week when I return home! I think Bristlecones have so much character - they have such interesting shapes.
ReplyDeletePS Love the Header!
ReplyDeleteSuch Beautiful views. Daisy looks happy though the jay does not. I've only seen Bristlecone pines at Cedar Breaks and they look like they live in harsh environments. Massive survivors. I'll bet it feels great to be out in the mountains again.
ReplyDeleteAww.. sweet dog! And such fantastic scenery!
ReplyDeleteI remember the first time I learned about bristlecone pines, I was so amazed by their age and the conditions they lived in. It sounds as though you had a wonderful time with great photos to share with us.
ReplyDeletethat was lovely!!
ReplyDeleteWhat sights those Bristlecones must have seen in their centuries of life - unimaginable.
ReplyDeleteA tree that can live for 4000 years? I have never heard such a thing!
ReplyDeleteThe gray jay is cute...you must bring some crumbs next time. :)
That's amazing country: I'd love to hike it. Although I'm inspired to learn to horseback ride -- you cover so much more ground. (Good Daisy found snow -- good nose!)
ReplyDeleteIn answer to Kaye's question:
ReplyDeleteI'm not too familiar with the area, but I looked it up in the Utah Atlas. There is a Bristlecone Ridge Trail shown about halfway between the Emma Park Rd/hwy 6 junction and Helper. I assume the campground was one of those shown in the price Canyon Recreation Site. I also looked on our USGS Topo maps but couldn't find a bristlecone anything shown in that area. So, I'm not sure if there are bristlecone in the area, but it's a good bet. In Indian Canyon, we see Bristlecone on ridges at about 8500 to maybe 9500 feet.
The forest service isn't forthcoming about where bristlecones are located - we asked about the ones in Indian Canyon and got the run-around. had to find it ourselves by looking in likely places. Apparently the Forest Service hopes to protect these relatively rare trees from over-eager tourism and perhaps damage of some kind.
Anyway, I'm glad you mentioned this, Kaye. We may try to check out the area the next time we're over that way. Maybe we'll find some bristlecone there.
Hi Janie, more magnificent scenery and fantastic photos. Those skies go on forever don't they? Your header is beautiful too.
ReplyDeleteLove the Wiskadejak (aka whiskey jack or gray jay). They rank close to my totem Ravens.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the Bristlecone tree & cone pics--I admire gnarly old survivior trees/Krumholz at treeline. Here, that usually means Whitebarks.
Janie what a beautiful ride with amazing views and so much snow! Thanks for taking us along, I missed your rides this winter.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and smiles
P.S. Your header photo is stunning
The Grey Jay is cute!!! The mountain view is awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteStanding in the junction on 3 rivers
Fashion Panache - The Stripey Dress