Dave and Jan had a conversation with a local man in Cedar City some time back in which they first heard of the Tushar Mountains east of the City of Beaver – just over fifty miles north of Cedar City. His reference to Mountain Goats which can sometimes be seen in the area with binoculars was particularly captivating, so the day came recently when they decided to do some exploring in the area. What a pleasant surprise to discover, just over sixty miles north, an alpine environment – including another ski lodge area at around 10,000 feet elevation. The area has been described as one of Utah’s best kept secrets – so don’t tell anybody!

A sign on the skyline trail told of the presence of Mountain Goats in the region – though Dave and Jan were disappointed not to have seen any during their hike on the Skyline Trail.

On a day when temperatures in the valleys of the area were typically in the 90’s, it was very refreshing to enjoy cooler temperatures which almost called for long-sleeved shirts or other warmer garments. Jan was well prepared for the cool air as she searched in a mountain meadow for Elephant Head Orchids.

U.S. Forest Service information on the area stated that the best time to see wild flowers in the region is late July or early August, so Dave and Jan were happy to find some very nice displays of wild flowers as they hiked.

A picnic lunch is always most enjoyable in a flowery mountain meadow along a crystal clear stream.

Dave and Jan are not down-hill skiers, but for those who are, the Eagle Point Ski Resort welcomes winter visitors.

There’s far more to explore than a day’s hike can begin to reveal, but it is great to know that such amazing scenery is revealing the creative genius of the Lord only an hour or two away from home for Dave and Jan – and for those who come to visit Dave and Jan in southwestern Utah’s “color country” (as their former neighbor Patty Shew from Brea did in recent days).