This was a terrific holiday weekend here in Orem, UT. We had terrific weather for the long 4th of July weekend. I was able to enjoy some of the local holiday festivities such as the Balloon Fest and Stadium of Fire fireworks show.
Even with all of that going on, I was able to get out on some gorgeous summertime hikes: Cecret Lake in the Albion basin, the Squaw Overlook Back Trail in Provo, and the Lost Creek trail deep in Provo Canyon. I am going to share a few pix and video from each of them, starting with today’s stunning hike to Cecret Lake.
CECRET LAKE
I came here last year and fell in love. While there were many flowers out today, it wasn’t quite as much as last year. We went a little later in July last year and that could explain it. The lack of rain could be another reason.
Below is a sample of the many flowers we saw.
The hike to the lake is about 1 mile. It is short and easy. There is a little climb in the quarter mile the has a few switchbacks. People of all ages were on the trail today. The lake is at an elevation of 9,888 feet.
When we got to the lake, we took tons of pictures and then enjoyed a picnic lunch in the shade. We lamented a bit that we did not have more time so that we could continue climbing to one of the nearby peaks Sugarloafs or Baldy mountains.
The most beautiful pictures from the hike were made during the first half of the trip to the lake. I love the pictures of the trees with morning lights and the contrast of colors, light and landscape. The first picture in this post is one of them. Below are some of my favorites from the early part of the hike.
As usual, we took plenty of pictures of each other on the journey.
SQUAW OVERLOOK BACK TRAIL
This is another favorite. I have been waiting since the end of May for the beauty of this hike. While I was a bit laye for the full blosom effect, there was still plenty of beauty.
This is a nice hike that weaves through mountainside, valleys of aspens, wildflowers and then ends with a nice view that includes Buffalo Peak and deep into the mountains behind Provo.
At about the midpoint of the hike, I came across this campground. It turns out it was four girls who were camping under the stars – the best way! Shortly after I walked through, they got up a broke camp.
LOST CREEK
I got early and went deep into Provo Canyon and was going to do a simple hike that walks basck west toward the mouth of the canyon. However, I saw a service road that turned off the trail and I discovered Lost Creek Trail. It had a lovely stream.
It turns out I did not complete the trail. After researching it a bit, I found out there is a waterfall at the turn around point. I will have to go back to complete the trail.
These three hikes on the holiday weekend made this weekend a joy. The more beauty I see on the trail, the more I seek it. We are heading into a short work week and I am looking forward to what is ahead this week and weekend.
Stay tuned!
The Umenum 