A Stormy Hike in the Twisted Forest Followed by Brews and Blues at Brianhead Ski Resort
I admit to being a bit bummed that we’d be missing the Oktoberfest at Brianhead this year so I was excited when our friend Lori told us that our time in Utah would coincide with the Brews, Blues, and BBQ Festival there. So less leiderhosen and yellow aspen but same live music and availability of draft beer.
Tom, Terry, and I agreed on a short hike before the afternoon of lounging and decided to spend a couple hours walking around the Twisted Forest, an area on the rim of Cedar Breaks that features gnarly bristlecone pines. This exposed, windy spot consists of fractured limestone pieces rather than soil; consequently it is only the hardy bristlecone that can manage to survive in this harsh environment.
Unfortunately, the day of the event turned out to be quite stormy, with banks of dark thunderclouds and rain. We proceeded with our walk anyway, getting a bit wet in the process as we took a new route that led under a ledge where rainfall was falling over our heads. After scrambling back up to the plateau we turned west away from the line of storms and climbed up towards the rim. The views over Cedar Breaks were spectacular as always and I was game to continue walking the rim for awhile but a new line of storms appeared accompanied by loud thunderclaps so we decided to descend back to the safety of the car.
We then slid back down the forest roads towards Brianhead and the promise of music and beer. The following hour was filled with rain showers but towards mid-afternoon the sun began peeking out and we set up our chairs next to the fire pit to listen to the always-entertaining local band Full Tilt Boogie. Our friend Lori was there with a couple of her friends too which was an added bonus.
Though it was a bit wetter and colder than we’d anticipated I thoroughly enjoyed the day of walking around followed by music and beer among friends. An impromtu stop on the way back at a meadow blooming with wildflowers made for a magical ending.
Amazing views, Meghan!
I actually like the storm clouds in the pictures. It makes them dramatic.
Thanks once again for sharing your adventures.
Thanks, Janet! I agree, the clouds do add something to the terrain. So glad you enjoyed reading!
The start of the title of your post made me think of a Grimm Brothers fairytale , though the beer and music mellowed it. Sounds like a perfect day. The storm clouds make for interesting and dramatic photography.
Dramatic start of the day for sure, but it did certainly end well! And, as a plus, those clouds did add something to my pictures.
Great pics! Looks like a nice hike!
It’s a really neat place and a perfect stop before going to Brianhead.