Wasatch colors 10/11/15

I went to the top of Guardman's Pass this evening. This is the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon.

The throttle gods smiled on me and I was mostly unimpeded by leaf peepers most of the way up. The truck ahead of me even pulled off at the bottom of the S-curves.

It was about 5:30 by the time I got up there and it was getting chilly. Most of the leaves are actually gone but here was a patch of bright orange just below the top.






Looking east at the top, Heber/Midway to the right (south) around the point. Park City to the left (north) over the ridge.


The trusty mount at the back of the scenic parking area.

The sun was pretty much directly in your face on the way down so I didn't get too adventurous.

Riding time is running short?
Steve

The days are getting shorter for sure, and colder.
Yesterday was 50 Deg. at 7 am, warmed up to around 80 mid day and back down to 50 at 7 pm
We lose an hour of day light Nov.1 which will put an end to riding after work so we ride any chance we get.

Yesterday near Henry IL, the colors are starting to turn

We're having an extended warm season. Temps are still regularly about 10ºF above normal even for this spot. It was about 80ºF at home and i was in the garage so I was eager to ride. I didn't check this time but it must have been in the 50s at the pass. It's not uncommon to have snow at this spot by now. I think they might be planning on closing the pass in a few weeks regardless of conditions.

Very cool country, ride it while you still can
Elevation around here is 650ft + - the temp changes dramatically between full sun and shade

It will get cold here in Jan/Feb. We rarely get snow but it can get cold. This year I'm gathering some cold weather gear. Chaps, etc. The central valley is going to be miserable starting next month. The sun will barely come out, cold, clammy and there's nothing like the smell of cow pies in the morning. I will likely have business there and driving the truck is out of the question. Mom passed away so if it weren't for the business trips, I'd never go there again.
Steve

Where I live is approx 4500 ft. The west side of the pass which is where I was is about 9500 ft. The east side just above Park City is about +200 ft. but the view isn't as nice. My brother did a painting off me sitting on my BMW 20 yrs ago on that side.

This time of year 100 ft can be a big difference in temp.

My daughter's place is about that high. Had some chick ask me for a ride one Xmas night. I told her it was too damn cold. I guess I missed a opportunity there but if I did and got lucky, I couldn't do anything due to the turtle effect. :lol: It's day time riding up there in the winter. I've seen guys in T shirts riding up there. I guess being cool out weighs the cold. :whistle:
Scan and post the painting, I'd like to see it. :woohoo:
Steve

I knew you were going to say that. I'll have to look around after I get home. He had it litho'd on cards as samples.

Here's a crappy scan circa '94ish east side Guardsman Pass looking southish.

Great story, great picture and based on what I read, great brother.
/A

Cool.
Steve