Desolation trail

Friday
As you can see from my photographs, today’s hike was in rather different scenery and climate to earlier in the week in Nevada! Jen took us up into the foothills of the mountains into Millcreek Canyon. There was no snow at Jen and Jason’s, but we soon ran into some as we gained elevation. The trail we took was called Desolation trail, and climbed about 1200 feet from about 5,750 ft to just over 7,000 ft, up to a great viewpoint over the Great Salt Lake valley. The climb in altitude was achieved through a series of switchbacks, so was relatively gradual, but we do notice the higher elevations, the highest point in Ohio being only about 1500 feet! We were very glad of the spikes Jen was able to lend us to fit over our hiking shoes, which give you excellent traction. We passed quite a number of other hikers, mainly with dogs - Jen told us that the Mill Creek Canyon is one of the few which allow dogs, so naturally is a popular place to bring your dog! It was a great hike, and with the elevation change gave us some good cardio exercise! We had started in cloud, but as we climbed, the skies cleared, affording us quite a beautiful clear view over the valley, the lake and the mountains beyond.
We returned to their house for a latish lunch, then stayed in playing games in the afternoon, before going out in the evening to Thanksgiving Point to see their Christmas lights. We got there soon after it was dark, hoping to avoid the rain which was forecast for a little later. Unfortunately, the rain arrived early, though it was quite light, so we still got to see everything.