Guardsman Pass and the Dying Aspen

[Joe]

I took mom out for a nice mountain drive today (October 6th). We drove up Big Cottonwood Canyon and had lunch at the Silver Fork Lodge. Afterward, we continued up the canyon towards Brighton, and turned off onto Guardsman Pass.

The first surprise was to see that Guardsman Pass is fully paved now all the way into Park City. The second surprise was to see not the brilliant colors of the changing Aspen, but rather seeing most of the Aspen are dead or dying. I had read of the dying Aspen groves in the Tribune over the past couple years, but I think this was the first time I personally realized just how extensive the problem is. What was once a magnificant drive was a bit alarming this time.

Though I don't want to create a political discussion, one cant halp but acknowledge that a very real problem exists. Whether or not it is within our power to effect change remains to be seen.

We continued our journey via Hwy 40 into Heber and returning via Provo Canyon to home in Pleasant Grove.

Mom is 86 now, and drives like this is the closest she can come to experience the beauty of our mountains.

 

[Artemus]

Joe, I agree about being saddened by the reduction in Aspen health throughout Utah and the mountain west. Parallels the decline in our evergreen forests due to various species of insects.

I haven't been over Gaurdsman Pass since last spring but then there was about 2 miles of gravel road still just north (Park CIty side) of the pass. Is that now paved too? Did you know that there had been a subdivision planned (and may still be planned) just below this section of Gaurdsman's? There is beaucoup private property on the east side of the Wasatch divide. Most of the Gaurdsman's Pass road is on private property.

 

[Joe]

Art, yes, the road is fully paved now. It tends to take away the remoteness that used to be one of its charms, and obviously increases the traffic flow.

One of John Denver's lyrics repeatedly comes to mind:

Why they try to tear the mountains down to bring in a couple more
More people, more scars upon the land

I would hope that more and more of these subdivisions that encroach ever higher up the mountains never get built.

 

[Dave]

They will. The old mining land that didn't go to the forest service will be built out. I'm disappointed to hear they paved it, but it was inevitable ever since the Montage resort was built.

 

[Artemus]

Dang! So, now they can plow it through from PC to BCC in the winter. And, if so, there is no need for SkiLink to connect the two. We will have to use this fact as part of the Stop SkiLink effort. Thanks for the update Joe. More rats in the maze...... And, Asher, you are exactly right it was only a matter of time.