Well, yesterday I was able to go hike Alexander Basin one more time, and I was pretty excited since there was a good looking storm brewing up. The hike up this time was a lot more treacherous because I had ALL of my gear with me; tripod, camera, 2 lenses, filters, water (more than last time), light jacket, and a couple other things that I always go hiking with. So I had a lot more weight to deal with, which made the constant climb a real pain in the… legs.

Once I actually got up to Alexander Basin, it was fine though. It had just rained so everything was nice and freshly cleaned… plus it smelled wonderful. As I was getting my stuff set up a few hikers were coming down from Gobblers Knob, which then left me to be the only one on the entire mountain. It was awesome!

Here’s the first shot I got that I liked…

And then as I was getting ready for the following shot, I looked up to see a deer staring right at me. I stayed as still as I possibly could and the deer would go back to eating, but then snap it’s head back up to look at me. Just couldn’t quite figure out what I was. Haha. After about 15 min of the same thing… it finally bounced down the hill to graze elsewhere.

I didn’t quite get the shots I was hoping to get, but all in all, I’m pretty pleased with this trip. I don’t think I’ll be going back to Alexander Basin though, time for a new trail to explore!

Thanks for reading,

Jeremy | Sur-Real Photography

Yesterday I decided to go on a nice little hike up my new favorite canyon, Millcreek Canyon. I had hiked Millcreek a couple times before, once a few weeks ago with some friends, and then again last Thursday.

Last Thursday I went and hiked up Mount Air. The trail for Mount Air is nice and lush with beautiful green vegetation and a nice blend of wild flowers scattered about. It really makes a tranquil environment. Great for clearing the mind… which you need since you’re hiking up hill the entire way. Haha.

Yesterdays hike, up to Alexander’s Basin, was a lot like the hike to Mount Air but with a lot more green vegetation and wild flowers. And also a lot steeper. The hike to the basin is about 2.5 miles, one way, and literally up hill the entire way. The hike up is nice though, you’re almost never in direct sunlight which helps with the heat, but you’re still able to get a nice breeze coming up the canyon.

The trail while hiking up...

Once you finally reach Alexander Basin you’re greeted with a wonderfully thick forest of white aspens (I think they’re aspens) with beautiful green foliage hugging their trunks.

Aspens in Black and White...

Then as you continue hiking up towards Gobblers Knob it’s nothing but thick green ferns with a scattering of beautiful wild flowers that adds a perfect accent of color. That’s as you’re looking up while hiking. But if you stop and turn around, you’re greeted with a magnificent view of Millcreek Canyon and the surrounding area. I wasn’t able to get any real pictures of those views… but I’ll hopefully be going back this Wednesday and I’ll get some then. If weather cooperates with me.

Some of the wildflowers while headed up to Gobblers Knob...

Thanks for reading and make sure to check back for some photos of the majestic views overlooking the canyons.

Jeremy | Sur-Real Photography

I love this weather!! It’s been in the mid 80′s for a few days now… and has no signs of it stopping. I love it. Perfect hiking weather.

Saturday I was able to head up Big Cottonwood Canyon with my dad for a nice little drive. We were originally wanting to drive all the way to Park City… but the road is still closed at the top. So that was a bit of a bummer, but we decided we should do a small little hike. So, we went to Brighton Ski Resort and make the hike up to Twin Lakes.

Firstly, I didn’t know that it was a man made lake. There’s a huge ol’ dam up there! I had no idea. Secondly… the lake was still half frozen!! I was surprised at the amount of snow that was up there still. But it was still very nice up there.

It wasn’t even close to the best conditions, photography wise. But… we wanted a picture to prove that we were up there… for memories sake. So, I took a few shots and made it into a pano and also made a color and B&W version.

Jeremy | Sur-Real Photography

Today I went and took a nice little hike up City Creek Canyon, which is where Memory Grove is located in SLC, Utah.

Memory Grove is a beautiful park dedicated to all those who have served and fallen in past wars, but resided in Utah. I noticed memorials from the Civil War to the World Wars. I didn’t see any memorials for the current wars, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t there. All of the memorials are well kept, and beautiful pieces of work.

City Creek Canyon is a natural preserve protected by the state of Utah. It’s very well maintained and all traffic is controlled. So it’s a pretty much guarantee that everything will stay in pristine condition. The actual hiking trail is for foot traffic only (which includes dogs). Up above the hiking trail is a paved road that is one way, for cars, and available for bicyclists also.

Farther up the canyon there are a couple lakes that I think would make for some excellent photo opportunities. I’m not sure how long the hike is though, but one day (hopefully soon) I will hike up to the lakes and see what it’s like up there. The water throughout the entire canyon is crystal clear and freezing cold. It’s actually a drinking source for SLC, which is another reason why the canyon is protected.

Anyways, here are two shots from the hike. I have more, but can’t decide if I like them enough to edit them.

Thanks for reading,

Jeremy | Sur-Real Photography

EDIT:: So, after further investigation… those “lakes” up there, aren’t really lakes. One is a reservoir and the other, I don’t even know what I would call it. The satellite picture of the reservoir shows it completely dried up. But with all the rain/snow we’ve been getting, I’m sure there would be some water in it. But I just don’t know if I want to hike to just see a reservoir. We’ll see.

Another Edit: Here’s a shot of a Dandelion that I edited a couple days ago.

It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything here, so figured I’d put this one random photo up.

This photo was taken on the Peralta Trail that I hiked yesterday (Wednesday). If you haven’t hiked this trail, I really do recommend it. The hike is fairly easy, and it’s only 3-4 miles… round trip. So it’s a real nice day hike. The best times to hike it are between October and May. It was a bit warm yesterday while hiking. But it does cool down once you get to the saddle (Fremont Saddle ["The Top"]). So you will want a sweatshirt or something long sleeved.

Oh… and Happy New Year!! (7 days late)