May 2, 2026

 Evening Hike to the Suspension Bridge

#8

hikers: just the 2 of us

distance: 2.12 miles

elevation gain: 417 feet

Same trail.

The only difference is which direction we go. This time was along the 

Aqueduct Trail, up Ralph's Trail, and down the Orson Pratt Trail.

This view of the mountain changes.  It is no longer brown but is green and beautiful.

There we are with the view of the valley in the background.

April 24, 2026

 Draper Suspension Bridge #7

Alpenhorn Performance

hikers: Lecia & Mark

distance: 2.12 miles

elevation gain: 439 feet

It was our lucky day. We went on a Friday, about noon, and were rewarded with an Alpenhorn performance! At least I'm pretty sure that's what it was.

See those rocks in the distance? Look on top.

Okay, now you can see it. I don't remember what he was playing, 

but it was impressive and memorable. Made for an interesting hike.

The view of the bridge as we were heading down Ralph's trail.

That sums it up. Just over 2 miles and 439 feet of elevation gain.

April 15, 2026

 Draper Suspension Bridge #6

4-15-2026

hikers: Mark & Lecia

distance: about 2 miles

elevation gain: just over 400 feet

No matter which way we do the loop I always try and get a picture of the bridge and the mountain in this spot so I can see the change in seasons.  This is the only picture I took this time.

April 11, 2026

 Wild Rose Canyon

April Grandpa & Nana's Hiking Club

hikers: 7 of the grandkids, 6 adults

weather: rain and then sunshine

This was a really awesome hike. We went up and had a beautiful view at the top of the hill be it was so gradual the kids never complained or said "I'm tired". At the top was a bench for a rest.

Since this is what strava looked like at the end. I don't know how far it was or the elevation gain, but it was definitely doable for this crew.

The weather was little chilly at the beginning but the girls were prepared with coats and an umbrella.

It was such a pretty trail.

The boys. There was one more but he was too small to walk.

The girls.

This is one hike we would like to do again!

Friday, April 10, 2026 Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge #5

 Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge

5th time

hikers: Mark & Lecia

distance:  2.48 miles

elevation gain:  604 ft.

Today we went the extra mile, ok extra half mile, and went to the original Bear Canyon Bridge. It is a pretty add-on to the hike. It is a loop that takes you further up the canyon over the old bridge.

Here is our starting point at the Orson Smith Trailhead.

Coming to the suspension bridge.

There is a trail that takes you farther up the canyon to the old bridge. You can access it from either side of the suspension bridge, not right at the suspension bridge but down the Bonneville shoreline trail a ways on the north and close to the bridge on the south. It makes a loop and takes you back to the suspension bridge.

The original Bear Canyon Bridge.

It is so pretty and shady here!

We finished the loop and it is a good addition to the hike if you have time and want to go a little higher up Bear Canyon. Don't worry, we've never seen  a bear there.

Saturday, April 4, 2026 Draper Suspension Bridge

 Draper Suspension Bridge

4th time

distance:  2 miles

elevation gain:  400 ft.

hikers:  Mark and Lecia

So much for weekly. It isn't happening every week. And sometimes Strava doesn't work. But the hike happened today!

The beginning.

Up the switchbacks.

To the Aqueduct trail.

Up more switchbacks.

Up, up.

The view.

Warnings. No rattlesnakes today. Hopefully never, but you need to watch out.

Another view.

Almost to the bridge.

Here we are.

On the other side of the bridge we head down Ralph's trail.

Switchbacks.

The Aqueduct trail.

And we're back.

March 21, 2026 Hiking Club - March

 Jungle Trail

Grandpa & Nana's March hiking club

hikers: Grandpa & Nana, 3 parents, 9 grandkiddos, including our new 2 month old Brooks!

distance:  1 mile

elevation gain: 131 ft.

This is such a fun hike for kids. And doable for all ages. You hike uphill half a mile and cross the creek and you are at a play area, then you hike back on that side of the creek and it is just a 1 mile loop.

We started at the Carolina Hills Trailhead. Lucky for us there was enough parking spots.

Things are in bloom! It is such a pretty time.

Snacktime. They start asking for a snack about 1 minute in to the hike but we delay until about half way.

Hiding.

Climbing.

Playing.

Hiking.

What a great day for a hike!!!