The other day our 3 boys were invited to a fun birthday party.  Their activity took place in Pleasant Grove, which is about a 30min drive from home.  Their activity was 3hrs long.  So we could spend an hr driving and two hours at home, or the 3 of us that were not participating in the birthday party could find something local to do.

So last minute we decided to take a fun little hike up the local canyon.  According to AllTrails.com this is a 4 mile round trip hike, but another source put the hike at more like 2.5 miles round trip.  Either way it is not a very long hike and it starts out as a fairly mild stroll, but as you come closer to the waterfall there is a steeper incline which eventually turns into loose shale fragments, unless you are there in the winter, it can become slick ice and slush.

We were not the best equipped for Winter hiking but figured we would give it a go.  The trail is absolutely beautiful in the winter.  Many of the rock faces have cascading ice structures.  As the trail became steeper we found ourselves sliding backwards at times, but not one fell.  The way back down was another story.

The waterfall was absolutely worth the effort.  It was lined with sheets of ice and the base is covered with a big ice sheet that has little caves where the water came gushing out. If you get close to the opening of these little caverns their is an extremely cold breeze that is being forced out of the cave.  Very cool to feel.

Following the hike we decided to hit up a local restaurant.  Our daughter was vying for Italian, so we went to a pizza/pasta joint Firebird. Cost was under $10 for a very large bowel of pasta.  All three versions we purchased (Alfredo, creme pesto, marinara) were quite excellent.  Staff were very friendly and they had business but it was not overly crowded, despite being 5pm on a Saturday.  Overall, it was a great time and a fun winter activity.  If I was going to change anything I would prepare for slick ground with boots or traction straps of some sort.  Fun hike anytime, but we would definitely recommend a winter stroll to that unique easily accessible waterfall.

***One disappointment was some new graffiti just off the trail by the bridge.  I love the outdoors… AND I HATE THE DESECRATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH GRAFFITI.  That selfish moment defaces and erodes the experience of future hikers for centuries to come.

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