Taking the higher road

Even though I lived in Salt Lake City for three years, I never knew one could drive over the summit from Big Cottonwood Canyon to Park City. And without 4-wheel drive. Except in winter.

I also never knew my father helped build the road up Big Cottonwood Canyon until a sibling mentioned it over dinner Monday.

That settled it. I had to make the drive.

Vegetation thins out up here at 9000+ feet.

On the downhill side, autumn has started a few days early.

And there are alpine valleys, complete with covered wagons for an Old West feel.