Linda's email simply read, "Can we do this, this weekend?" And it contained links to several GPS routes near Brian Head, Utah. She had received the links from a friend at Brian Head who said the fall leaves are great. We don't look at the fall colors every year, and frankly, I didn't expect the leaves to be extra special due to the lack of rain this season, but I'm all for getting out of the house riding the ATV.

In reviewing the GPS tracks, I notice they pass the trailhead for Twisted Forest and end at High Mountain's summit. Now, I'm excited, fall colors are great, but a good hike and the ability to bag an accessible peak has me motivated. We decided to leave around 11:00 am and eat lunch in Brian Head before unloading the quad and hitting our short out and back journey.

The BBQ shack we stopped at was okay, pricy, but not for a resort town. The stagging area was empty except for a motorhome as we unpacked and used the restroom facilities. I've never been on this side of Brian Head during the summer, and I was surprised to see campers and trailers tucked among the pine trees. It must be getting cold at night, but what a beautiful place to spend the summer.

The road rises along Navajo Point's eastern face before turning north and crossing several ski runs on chair number one. We are in the familiar territory due to Linda's past experiences as a skin instructor for Brian Head Ski Resort. We have seen some beautiful fall colors so far on our trip, and soon we leave the tall pine trees of Navajo Point and drive into the yellow and orange colors of Aspen trees. The sight is stunning. We pause along the trail to take pictures, and Linda picks up a rock or two of Brian Head Agate.

Twisted Forest Trailhead is a short drive off the main road, and plenty of parking exists around a circular lot. A large placard describes the hike and the "unique ecological feature" of three different trees: The Engelmann Spruce, Bristlecone Pine, and Limber Pine, all "growing side by side." Part of the Ashdown Gorge Wildnerness area, established under the State of Utah's wilderness act of 1984, the Ashdown Gorge Wildnerness area covers 6,750 acres of Dixie National Forest.

Linda sitting on a dead Bristlecone Pine Tree

The line is distinct. It is incredible to witness the sequence which allows only the Bristlecone Pine to survive. The trail works up a small ridgeline to an overlook into a section of Cedar Breaks National Monument. Walking among these ancient trees makes it difficult to envision an organic thing living for thousands of years. The twisted remains of long-dead Bristlecone Pines trees are a sight to behold. The width and breadth of their massive trunks bear testament to their long lives.

The viewpoint ends abruptly at a large cliff, it is stunning, and we marvel at the distance we can see today. The many fires in California have often created a haze here in Utah as the smoke drifts on the wind. But today, we can see for 50 miles or more. Closer at hand, spires of red, pink, and yellow drop away below our feet; we walk along the ridge to view down the long chutes between them. We linger in awe of the variety of colors spread out before us.

The return hike is more comfortable in the high elevation, as we stop to visit with another group from Salt Lake City, Utah. We continue through the thick Aspen trees, and I guess we have already missed the peak of color this fall. Barren trees dot the hillsides, but enough leaves linger for us to appreciate the beauty.

Twisted Forest trail view of High Mountain

High Mountain summit provides views to Cedar City; we are seeing about 3,500 feet of elevation change from this altitude. It is breathtaking. Almost 4:00 pm now, the shade is growing cold, and it is time to return to the truck. Along the drive back, we pick a spot in the sunshine for Linda to gather a backpack full of Agate. Brian Head Agate is amazing when cut, worked and created into something beautiful. Linda's specialty.