Cascade Springs

Approaching the upper Springs from below

Directions:  Alpine Scenic Loop up American Fork canyon ( or you can come up from Provo Canyon), take the Cascade Spring turn off, If you have not been on the Alpine loop be forewarned that it is veryt narrow in some places, while a great motorcycle ride sometimes you may be cut off by trucks, cars or vehicles with trailers (which over 30 feet - not recommended)
this road is a popular scenic road /Sunday drive type road that is especially popular in the fall. If you or others in your car are prone to motion sickness, you may want to prepare for the possibility of someone getting sick as it is also very a very winding road.
There is an upper and lower parking lot.
Cost: National Parks pass or current fee ($6.00 per Sept of 2013)

waterfalls in the lower Spring area

Difficulty: Easy, Wheel chair accessible ( for the most part flat and a bit steep in a few places).
Mostly paved or boardwalk. (some of the asphalt is a little broken up by some trees and it is narrow in some places. There are some rock stairs - which are beautiful.
Overall this is a wonderful hike for people of all ages and abilities.

Duration:  .6 miles, minimal elevation
Stay however long you want as you can be as hurried or leisurely as you want.
If you park at the upper parking lot you will come in on the wide open end at the top of the spring.  This part is very serene and relaxing.
If you come up from the bottom parking lot the terrain is a little more uneven and the falls are spectacular and make a wonderful gurgling, rushing sound.
The whole trail is marked with educational plaques so you can learn much of the area, flora, fauna and wildlife, history, geology and other interesting information.
You will be able to see the brown trout in the clear waters and maybe some mink, birds, squirrels or other little critters. There are abundant flowers and plants of all kinds.

Sunday afternoon visitors early fall on the Boardwalk

Tips: This is a good one to do in conjunction with some other Alpine Loop trail or if you are in the area, camping or ATV'ing since its such a short hike to just drive up for that alone.  It is a beautiful  little hike and well worth it to go in and of itself.
Its a very relaxing place and nice to take pictures.
Bridal Veil Falls is on the way if you are coming up from or going back through the Provo area.

lower Springs area looking up through some trees

Bug spray would be advisable and the park closes at dusk!
No picknicking in the area, no fishing and no wading allowed.
This is a very beautiful area as noted by the numerous photographers we saw there, but you can enjoy it for its relaxing nature, beauty and pure water.
Drinking fountains available with delicious water!

delicious spring water (pretty sure about that)

If you want to take a longer scenic drive you can continue to head East, up and over into Heber Valley, visiting Midway on the way home or go back the way you came enjoying the Alpine Loop.

Cecret Lake (Secret Lake)

Directions: Top of Alta / Little Cottonwood Canyon, parking by the Albion Basin Campground.

Difficulty: Easy, dirt and rock path up to a mountain lake. No swimming, pets or fishing. 1.2 miles, 450 elevation. While its pretty simple, well maintained trail, it is challenging enough to give you a basic workout and make the kids feel like they got a really good mountain hiking adventure.

Durations: from parking lot to parking lot - about 1 1/2 hour, with a stop at the top for snacks and pix. if you go on a weekend or holiday you may have to park a little further out and walk up the campground where the trail head starts by a little footbridge.

Tips: Good picnic place, good family hike, awesome in mid to late summer, may still be some snow and lots of beautiful mountain wildflowers. Beautiful also in the fall, be prepared for really cool temperatures up in the higher elevations, be prepared with layers, sunscreen, water, treats - depending on the time of year.

What may look like a terrible day in the valley could possibly be an awesome day in the mountains....
likewise ...
what looks like a great day in the valley might be kind of dangerous weather up in the higher elevations. Check weather before heading out and be prepared with appropriate clothing and supplies... even for short hikes.


Pictures coming later this week !

Huntington Lake, Miller Flat and Joe's Valley

Miller Flat Lake  // waterful nearby.... Skyline Drive Trail - late June

Mountain flowers with small spider... a trail with summer flowers... liatris flowers

Directions: Fairview 16 miles East on UT 31, South on Miller Flat Road, park anyhwere or pick a campsite and stay a couple days. Campsites are open, roomy and plentiful. There are ample places and trail to ride bikes, ATV's, fish and hike. The whole area is very beautiful. 
Distance: trail -  as long or short as you want them to be. Hooks into Skyline Drive trail.
Fishing available in several lakes
Difficulty: pretty normal
High Altitudes in even late june can be cold (see the snow on the upper picture - if out on an ATV plan to have appropriate clothing (windbreaker, fleece, wool, coat, gloves, hat would be good)
lower elevations are warm so layering is good. 
If you like flowers and trees, bring a book to identify them - they are plentiful as are small lakes and ponds throughout.