By Jen Bennett
Rich and I had an amazing trip to Utah with the family. The mountain views were seriously out of this world! We were able to spend a couple of days exploring some hiking trails in Sandy and Draper, just outside of Salt Lake City, and we are already planning our next trip back.
One of our favorite hikes was the Bell Canyon Reservoir Trail. The trail was a good mix of challenging and rewarding. Lots of switchbacks got our hearts pumping, but the higher we climbed, the more breathtaking the views of the valley became. It was one of those hikes where you feel like you're constantly stopping to take pictures because every turn reveals a new, even more stunning vista. The crystal-clear water of the reservoir was so breathtaking, with the clouds and mountains reflected on the surface of the water. It was hard to separate the Earth from the sky.
After we made our way down to the banks of the reservoir, we noticed a creek that flowed into the reservoir which served as the perfect spot for us to enjoy our picnic lunch. The sound of the water babbling over the rocks was so peaceful and relaxing. We couldn’t resist dipping our fingers and toes in the crisp, cool water. And get this – we even saw a squirrel perched on top of a large boulder that seemed to be singing! It was the cutest thing. I'm not sure what kind of song it was, but it definitely added to the magic of the moment.
Another highlight of the trip was hiking to the Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge via the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. This trail was so much fun and challenging. Nothing like immediately starting a hike with an uphill climb! There was a section where we walked through these cool, natural rock tunnels, which felt like something out of a movie. It was a wonder how these large boulders just stayed in place to form these tunnels over the path.
After another round of switchbacks and slightly strenuous uphill climbs, we finally arrived at the suspension bridge. It was such an impressive site to see. As we stepped on to the bridge, it caught us off guard to feel how much it swayed and moved. We found ourselves gripping the cable railings until we could catch our balance. We definitely wouldn’t want to be walking across on a windy day! Although it was a little nerve-wracking, the views of the mountains in the distance and looking down into the canyon were totally worth it.
We were also blown away by the amazing vistas of the valley. From certain vantage points, we could see the entire valley spread out before us, with the snow-covered mountain tops in the distance. It was an incredible sight. Rich’s son brought his drone and was able to get some amazing aerial photos from up high with all of us sitting on a group of boulders and also on the suspension bridge. The aerial photos really captured the beauty of the landscape.
Utah is truly a hiker's paradise. The combination of challenging trails, stunning scenery, and
peaceful natural surroundings made for an unforgettable experience. We always feel so refreshed and inspired after spending time in the mountains. If you're looking for an adventure, I highly recommend adding Utah to your list! You won't be disappointed. Maybe next time we will make it down to some of the national parks further south. We are looking forward to planning a trip to Zion as well as some others, such as Bryce Canyon and the Arches. For now, we just have to settle for reliving the memories through our photos. Until next time, Utah!
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