Hiking Big Mountain

Saturday Evening, July 26, 2008

Have you ever heard the Mormon Pioneer stories about the trail. Well--Big Mountain has it's place in pioneer history. It is a beautiful mountain--big. And once you get to the top--you get a great view of the valley down bellow.

I decided that for the 24th of July it would be fun to organize a group to hike part of the Mormon Trail. After researching about the trail we would hike...this is part of what I found out:


The hike up Big Mountain is not dangerous but might be too strenuous for some. The distance is 4.2 miles. Elevation begins about 6,100 feet and climbs to 7,400 feet. The grade varies between mostly 4 and a stretch at the end of about 8 percent. Swales and rust marks easily identify the route the whole way. Tree canopy will provide shade at least half the time. A small stream runs the length of the hike and will be crossed numerous times, but is almost always dry after July, though there is water at the beaver dams and two or three logs that need to be crossed. The steepest part of the hike is at the end. The only exits on the trail are at the top and bottom and no way to get emergency vehicles into the area, so the hike must be completed. There has never been development on this section of the trail, so you get to see why it took the Donner Party four days to make a trail to the summit and where they made it. Athletic shoes are fine. Participants need to hydrate themselves.


Because some of the people in our group weren't ready for a 9 mile hike--we decided to hike it backwards--starting at Big Mountain and hiking down to Mormon Flats. Mormon Flats is an important part of church history because it is part of the Utah Wars. On the sides of the hills you can still see the rock fortifications that the pioneers built for protection.

So--we began our hike (we left my Jeep at the top and took Allison's car to the bottom so we could have cars to transport us.). All who came were Angie and Irene (my roommates), Sarah (my friend from Riverview 7th ward!), and Allison and her friends Nate and Jeremy. We started our hike and made it down in great time. Along the way there were several beautiful nature shots.

At the end--we stopped and had a dinner picnic. Jeremy decided to take on his responisbility as "the man" and carve our watermelon for us. We ate and then we realized how late it was. Allison and I headed back up the mountain in her car to get my Jeep.

On the way back--I was driving and enjoying it (it is one of my most favorite drives in all of Utah...) and I was just cruising along (keep in mind I've driven this a ton--I know the road)...when all of a sudden...I had to brake! I looked out and there was a huge deer crossing my path. Fortunately--I missed her, but unfortunately, the truck going the other way slammed into her. It was one of the loudest thuds I've ever heard in my life--and my heart was pounding just as loud.

Eventually Allison and I made it back to the group and we drove back by the scene of the accident just to make sure everyone was safe. The deer had been cleared away by then and no one was there.

I am so lucky that someone was looking out for me last night--I've had a few close calls in my life and that one scared me to death--I think my car would have suffered more than me--but, it would have scared me.

But--I would recommend this hike to anyone wanting a good hike. I'll even go with you...just keep an eye out for those deer.