Boulder Mountain

(Not so) Steep Creek, UT

1/15/23

Went down to the desert near Capitol Reef for the weekend post Ph.D. proposal. The desert in the winter is always such a calm and beautiful experience. Years ago, I remember seeing some ski tracks off highway 12 on Boulder Mountain, which broadly looms above the region, and we decided to throw in our skis last minute since we were in the area.

Boulder Mountain is flat. There is some steeper and better skiing options on other parts of the mountain, but a bit further from the road. We were not there for an objective and just wanted to make a few turns over the desert. The name “Steep Creek” seemed promising and the open meadows between aspens looked appealing. Steep Creek is just after the viewpoint turnoff south of the high point on the road.

I checked the nearby SNOTEL site (Sunflower flat) that morning and confirmed there was about 3’ of snow with 8” new overnight! Pretty good for this part of Utah in mid-January. We made our way up the road, shoved the truck into a snowbank, and approached the steep creek meadows. Lots of wind transport made 8” feel more like 0-24”.

The lovely Sierra Pond headed up. Highway 12 in the background.

Wind blows a lot up here.

When things got flat again, we transitioned in a beautiful grove of old growth aspen trees.

The skiing was short, but sweet in spots. Definitely quite mellow and a bit slow with the new snow. We shuffled our way back to the road and appreciated the quietness of everything, especially in comparison to the crazy of the cottonwoods.

Boulder Mountain isn’t exactly a skiing destination, but if you happen to be in the area with your skis and there happens to be enough snow, why not get in some turns! Maybe not exactly the place if you’re trying to get an adrenaline rush, but one where you can take time to slow down and appreciate the beauty of everything around you in peace. The scenery over the desert is absolutely spectacular.

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