One needs only to take a trip into the mountain at this time of year to know that this is a special time.

I have always said that one becomes close to God through nature.  Every fall I take as many trips to the mountains as I can, and I want to share this special time in Utah with you.  

Sugar Maple trees in Mill Creek Canyon are a flaming red.

It is so nice to look up the mountain side and see so many colors.

Many different type of trees all add a special color to this picture taken in Millcreek Canyon east of Salt Lake City.

The evergreens still in their deep green give a special background to these trees. 

Taking time to look down one can see these special plants ready to share their beauty at all different stages of autumn.

Storm Mountain, up Big Cottonwood Canyon just east of Salt Lake, is such a beautiful majestic mountain.  To me it has always looked like an outdoor church the way it jets up to the sky.

This beautiful stream coming down Big Cottonwood Canyon adds it special touch to all
the pretty fall colors.

Every fall color can be found in this photo.

At the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon is the Brighton Branch.  This lovely Church was built back in the 60's and just recently had a new addition added to it. This Church is in the area where the pioneers came to celebrate their 10th anniversary of being in the Salt Lake Valley. While they were celebrating, word came that Johnston Army was on their way to the Salt Lake Valley.  

 
Nestled in these colorful aspen is the Brighton LDS Girls Camp. This was first built in the early 20's by four Salt Lake Stakes.

Aspen at their peak.

While going though the woods enjoying the fall colors, we came upon a beautiful bride taking photos for here upcoming wedding. She was the program director of the Brighton LDS Girls camp this past Summer.  Her name is Lauren Scharr, but the campers at Brighton knew her as Slash.

The last thing I wanted to see on my adventure to the mountain was a moose.
There are a few in the mountains east of Salt Lake.  On our way down we saw three.  

I almost thought that I was in Yellowstone, as when an animal is spotted the crowds gather.  

I knew may day was complete when I stopped by a pond at the end of the day and there was a beautiful swan surrounded by ripples.  It was a perfect day in God’s Country.  

Dian Thomas is the author of several outdoor books including the New York Times bestseller Roughing it Easy.  Here other family fun book are loved by all to who look for fun activities to do with their families.  To learn more about Dian and her books go to www.dianthomas.com.  If you have a comment you may email her at contact@dianthomas.com.