The trail to the top of Little Mountain makes a pretty spring ride. March 21, the first day of spring, provided plenty of sunshine and a high in the 60's. The photo above was taken at the trailhead (5700 ft). Our destination (8500 ft) is out of sight, over the ridge seen in the distance.
Red hills mark the path.
The Uinta Range is visible to the northwest.
Communication towers mark the top of Little Mountain. We expected to reach snow-covered trails near the top, but the snow was gone in the open areas, with only a few patches lingered in the pinyon-juniper shade.
Our trailer is parked on the grass-covered mesa top.
Back at the trailhead, Marsh Peak towers in the distance. At 12,240 feet, Marsh is still heavy with snow. Amber waves of grain (crested wheat grass, planted by the BLM to replace overgrazed native bunch grass) ripple in a light breeze on the broad mesa.
a beautiful day for riding :)
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful photos. The air looks so clear and clean - wonderful to breathe, I imagine.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful scenery. I enjoyed this ride and love that last shot with the amber waves of grain.
ReplyDeleteLove the contrasts of amber grains, red ridges and snow capped mountains.
ReplyDeleteYet another fabulous ride.
Makes me want to sing, but you wouldn't want that - might scare the horses. (Or Daisy would start howling.) Sure not much snow there. Maybe we'll both get a lot of summer rain.
ReplyDelete'O beautiful for spacious skies, For amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties . . .'. What more could one ask for?
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome, Janie... I always think that 4000 feet around here is HIGH ---but you started at 5700 feet and went up to 8700 feet. WOW--I'm impressed...
ReplyDeleteThere is alot of snow left at Marsh Peak... Reminds me of our trip last June to the Rocky Mtn. National Park --where we encountered alot of snow at about 11,000 feet.
Great set of pictures.
Hugs,
Betsy
Beautiful colors and textures and gorgeous panoramic views!
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Thanks for the magnificent views of amber wheat, mountain ranges and the majestic snow covered Marsh Peak.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the ride looking over your shoulder, Janie.
cheers :)
Beautiful photographs. I really like the last one.
ReplyDeleteWhere's Daisy?
The must have been a sweet ride. Gorgeous contrast of dry grain with the green pinyon-junipers.
ReplyDeletewow, beautiful shots!
ReplyDeleteIt's such a beautiful place and your photos definitely do it justice. I can just imagine the sense of peace and contentment you must feel each time you're out in that gorgeous countryside.
ReplyDeleteBringing the words of the song to life. I love it.
ReplyDeleteSurprised to see all the snow missing except for the peak. What was the elevation of that trip?
ReplyDeleteWhat a glorious way to start your spring! Needless to say...I adore those amber waves of grain!
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