Jan 29 - East Canyon (Little/Big Dell)

Cloudy day with snow coming in. I decide to head up to East Canyon reservoirs (Little/Bell Dell) basically for a look around. We had a ton of snow this winter; I think we surpassed last years total before the end of Jan (444in at Snowbird, 472 at Alta (it's a thru Jan record)) so I don't even know what the status of the trails at the reservoir are.

And, more importantly, there's a herd of around 60 elk who have moved down the foothills into the valley - hungry elk). They are hanging out at the mouth of Parley's Canyon and have been spotted along 215 and 80. They pushed them back up the mountains but they are back. I'd like to see them today.

So I set off up I-80 to the East Canyon exit. There are "Large wildlife area ahead" signs along 21st but I see no Elk. But I do see a dead moose along side the road. :(

I exit at East Canyon and head to the reservoir.

There are a few cars at the reservoir. There's snow in the parking lot but it has been plowed (sort of) and it's time to get out of the car and check things out.

Well, no surprise with the frigid temps we've been having, the water is totally ice over.

I look for critters (deer, elk, moose).

Despite the large berms of snow at the edges of the parking lot, I do find the trail and it's packed snow. I make my way down just a bit

before heading back.

Do wish I had planned for a hike!

But it is starting to snow so in a way, it's a good thing I didn't.

I decide to take Emigration Canyon on the way home - maybe the elk will be over there. Nope!

Nice trip - I'll be back!