Although the Wasatch Wildflower Festival was held July 17-20 in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons it’s not too late to check out the amazing flowers.  In fact I would argue the flowers are more amazing now than they were during the Wildflower Festival and I’d guess we are still several days away from the peak.

Typically the peak wildflower season is mid-July to late July.  And this year fits perfectly into that norm.  A very snowy winter and wet spring have produced more and larger wildflowers which I will vouch for.

Yesterday I took an afternoon drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon to Albion Basin near Alta Resort.  It was a colorful drive with blues, yellows, purples, pinks, reds, oranges, and whites. While I didn’t do any hikes yesterday I plan on going back to enjoy the many flowers and spend a little more time in Albion Basin.

  Typically the peak wildflower season is mid-July to late July.  And this year fits perfectly into that season.  A very snowy winter and wet spring have produced more and larger wildflowers. 

 If you are in the Salt Lake City area I highly recommend the quick drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon to check out the Wildflowers.  If you do go make sure to bring insect repellent, the mosquitoes are out.

Several weeks ago I hiked Mount Olympus for the first time this year.   It was an unusually warm week in March the snow had started to melt and I was anxious to get out for a hike.  It wasn’t until we neared the top of the hike that the trail was covered with several feet of snow, which made the hiking a bit more difficult and slow.  The views from the top were amazing.

Top of Mount Olympus

I’d have to say this was one of my favorite hikes.  The views of the Salt Lake valley were incredible as well as the mountain ranges around.  Trudging through the snow was an adventure and going down was even more so.  I spent most of the time wishing I had skis. 

I highly recommend this hike, but maybe not so much in the winter.  I heard, not sure if it’s true or not, that just after we hiked it hikers triggered an avalanche in the area and one girl was injured.  So if you decide to go when there is still snow keep that in mind and plan accordingly.