The Wasatch Mountains...
At their base, from north to south, are Utah's largest cities, a seemingly endless expanse of roads, highways, strip malls, and housing developments. It is hard to fathom that any open space is left in the valleys. The snow that blankets the Wasatch range for half the year is more than just the famous Utah powder that brings skiers from all over the world. It IS the "Greatest Snow on Earth", but it is also the lifeblood of two-thirds of Utah's population.

The Wasatch Mountains collect and disperse tremendous amounts of water. With the increased human population in the adjacent valleys, they have also collected a lot of development, roads, resorts, campgrounds, tourist attractions, and the like. This is a natural occurence, not unique to this mountain range. Unfortunately, however, certain of its aesthetic value and natural beauty is gone forever.

I was raised in Alpine, a small community nestled at the base of the Wasatch Range south of Salt Lake City. Our setting was ideal for endless excitement when we were kids. Here are a few scenes from the places near home, some of which are no longer accessible, or are being developed and destroyed.

West face of Boxelder Peak from Lone Peak Wilderness Area.

The pictures below were taken in the Lone Peak area.

Dead Pines in LPWA--looking south at Utah Lake.

July snow on the trail to Lake Hardy.

Frozen Lake Hardy...July.

Sliding Rock, Alpine. PRIVATE PROPERTY... This property has had several owners... Currently, the public is NOT welcome. It is part of a planned development that will, in effect, "finish-off" the once picturesque backdrop of Alpine.

Here's an interesting way to cool off... Bring your life jacket. Not for you--for your bike.

This is a man-made pond near sliding rock. Over the low hill in the horizon is Draper, Utah and the populous Salt Lake Valley.

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