deer valley

Recapping the events of a week ago Tuesday:  On Paul's last day here in Utah, the guys were trying to figure out where they could hike that wouldn't have too much snow and that might have the possibility of spotting the shy and elusive elk.  They decided to head to the Wasatch Back (Park City side of the mountains) since it tends to have less snow than the Wasatch Front, plus the only place H and I have seen elk has been on that side.

Some snow on the ski trails, but not that much

We don't have very many maps/books for the Wasatch Back, however, so they first stopped at REI to see if they had any maps of WB hiking.  Nope, but try Cole Sports in Park City.  Cole Sports: no maps, but Deer Valley is probably your best bet.  Snow Park Lodge at Deer Valley:  we're not sure where you should go, but you should ask at the Deer Valley mountain bike shop.  DVMTB Shop: you're not dressed for hiking - there's way too much snow up there!

At this point, the guys just started walking, following ski trails and MTB trails up and down three different peaks.  There was not too much snow up there and they had gorgeous views of Park City and the Jordanelle Reservoir.

View of the Jordanelle Reservoir and Dam

They also found a mama and a quite young baby moose strolling about the ski mountain, and were able to get close enough for some decent pictures without startling/annoying the mother.  After they'd taken some photos, the moose family just unconcernedly disappeared into the woods.  H may not have been able to deliver any elk, but he is the moose whisperer for sure!

Two moose are loose!