In the past few days it has dumped snow in the mountains of Utah.  While staying with my friends Pam and Earl, we decided to hit the trail when the clouds cleared.  So after yoga and brunch, off we went to get in a short afternoon snowshoe.

Our pick for a snowshoe – Nobletts Trail in the Uinta Mountains.  It’s only two miles so it’s great when you have limited time or for families.  Elevation gain is only just over 300 feet, and is gained in a series of short hills.

At the trailhead, there were families fresh in from cutting down Christmas trees and kids squealing with glee as they sled down the hill.  We strapped on our snowshoes and started the trail that quickly took us downhill through an aspen grove and out by series of small ponds.

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We turned right at the ponds and headed towards the waterfall.  The trail follows along Nobletts Creek.  It takes you through thick vegetation and towering pines.  With the snow plopped in the reeds, it reminded me of a cotton field.  There are interesting rock formations draped in snow too.  I loved listening to the babbling brook perfectly paired with the crunch of our snowshoes.

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The waterfall is more of a rockfall or cascading falls flowing over moss-covered rocks.  There is a “End of Trail” sign.  It’s pretty difficult to climb up the waterfall because of the soft soil on the steep incline.  It’s best to enjoy the view from the base of the falls then make your way back down the trail.

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As we climbed the hill back up to the trailhead, I stopped for one last look of the ponds.

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Once back in the parking lot, there was a huge dog in the back of a pickup truck watching its owner tie down down a freshly cut Christmas tree.  When I asked his owner if I could pet him, he said, “sure but he might slobber you.”  Okay with that, I had to love on Hugo before we left.

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To get there:  From Heber City, head toward Park City and take Highway 35.  Go past Jordanelle State Park.  There’s a sign for Nobletts and a large parking lot on the left after mile marker 12.