Name: Mormons and Ardent Spirits by Sandy Brumley and Troy Dryer
Start: 2026-11-11
End: 2026-11-11

A medium-length family friendly hike with beautiful lake view.

This well trafficked hike is a must. While the trail shown here is a great loop, it can be adjusted for any level of hiking - it can be shortened to an out and back to just see the beautiful Lake Mary, or it can be lengthened to take in Mary, Martha, Catherine, Dog, and Twin Lakes. Many families and groups of all types on the Lake Mary trail section, but the link between Mary and Twin is less crowded. It's recommended to avoid weekends and holidays, if possible, as this is a popular hike. Spring hiking can be difficult as the snow still sometimes covers the trail even as late as June.

**Local's recommendation:** This is a good summer or fall hike - the temperatures at this elevation in Big Cottonwood Canyon is 10-20 degrees cooler than the Salt Lake valley.

**Details**

**Difficulty:** Easy

**Highest point:** 9675 ft

**Lowest point:** 8766 ft

**Best time of year:** May - October

**Safety information:** Bring comfortable hiking shoes, plenty of water, and extra snacks. There are steep parts, so a walking pole is helpful. Swimming and dogs are not permitted anywhere in Big Cottonwood Canyon because it is a watershed area.

**Roadbook**

From the parking lot at Brighton Resort, follow the signs for the Lake Mary trail. The trail is well signed all the way up, and if you choose to take the loop to Twin Lakes Reservoir, it is also well marked.

- Start point - 8302 S Brighton Loop Rd, Brighton, UT 84121 - 0 mi
- Highest point, 9675 ft - 1.7 mi
- Lowest point, 8766 ft - 4.6 mi
- Lake Mary - Destination - 4.7 mi

**How to Get There**

**Public transport:** Bus routes do not travel up to this trailhead in summer - best access is by car.

**Parking:** Parking at Brighton Resort near the trailhead is free outside of the ski season.

Lake Mary to Twin Lakes Reservoir Loop Trail

Pamper yourself with some “me” time. Solitude Mountain Spa offers a full array of luxurious services including facial, scrubs, and more. Long day hitting the slopes? Relax in our dry sauna. Foot cramps from stiff ski boots? Enjoy a pedicure or deep tissue massage.

Solitude Mountain Spa

Glide in our winter wonderland. Solitude’s Nordic & Snowshoe Center is one of the best-kept secrets. Explore twenty kilometers of pristine trails through some of Utah’s most stunning terrain. Easily accessible from the Solitude Village, the center has both classic and skate styles of Nordic skiing.

Solitude Nordic Center

Victus Advisors was founded in 2012 with a clear mission: to provide independent, data-driven venue consulting that helps communities, teams, and developers make informed decisions. What started as a vision in the mountain town of Park City, Utah, has evolved into a nationally respected firm specializing in sports, recreation, entertainment, and performing arts venues. Our journey began when Brian Connolly — an expert in market research, financial advisory, and strategic planning — recognized a gap in the industry. Too many projects were built on unrealistic expectations, with financial risks and operational challenges often overlooked. Victus Advisors was created to change that. Fast forward to today, and our firm has led feasibility studies, economic impact analyses, and strategic planning efforts for some of the most recognizable venues in the country.

Victus Advisors

All photos by Outdoor Project Contributor, Brant Hansen

| **Pros:** Views, fast, beautiful **Cons:**Busy **Congestion:** Moderate **Preferable Season(s):** Summer, Fall **Day-Use/Parking Pass Required:** General Day Use Fee ($3.00) **Dogs allowed?:** Yes | **Total Distance:** 6.00 mi (9.66 km) **Terrain Difficulty:** GREEN **Trailhead Elev.:** 7,645 ft (2,330 m) **Net Elev. Gain:** 1,157 ft (353 m) **Trail Uses:** Hiking, Biking **Trail type:** There-and-back |
| --- | --- |

The Dog Lake mountain bike ride usually begins at the Great Western Trail trailhead in Mill Creek Canyon. The lake itself is picturesque and surrounded by a massive aspen grove. Dogs are allowed on the trail and up to the lake, but they must be leashed on even numbered dates. Likewise, bikes are only allowed on the upper Mill Creek Canyon trails on even days. The biggest benefit of Dog Lake is the epic scenery. You’ll get stunning mountain views and broad vistas. You’ll ride through thickly wooded forests filled with aspens, cottonwood, and towering pines.

Dog Lake Mountain Bike Ride: Great Western Trail to Big Water Trail

Alta’s finest luxury resort, the Snowpine Lodge, provides guests with the best ski-in/ski-out access, world class dining, rejuvenating mountain spa, and views that take your breath away during every season. Built in 1938, the historical Snowpine Lodge was the first ski lodge in Little Cottonwood canyon, home of both Alta and Snowbird ski resorts, and the "Greatest Snow on Earth”. The Snowpine Lodge was completely rebuilt in 2017/2018, adding numerous amenities desired by every guest, including a full-service restaurant, full-service bar, outdoor pool and hot tub, indoor grotto, game room, and ballroom. Cozy room accommodations range from family suites to private rooms to dorm style lodging

Snowpine Lodge

All photos by Outdoor Project Contributor, Brant Hansen

| **Pros:** Huge vistas. Shady. Cool in summer. Fast. **Cons:** Busy. **Congestion:** Moderate **Preferable Season(s):** Summer, Fall **Day-Use/Parking Pass Required:** General Day Use Fee ($3.00) **Dogs allowed?:** No | **Total Distance:** 6.00 mi (9.66 km) **Terrain Difficulty:** GREEN **Trailhead Elev.:** 8,239 ft (2,511 m) **Net Elev. Gain:** 1,271 ft (387 m) **Trail Uses:** Hiking, Biking **Trail type:** There-and-back |
| --- | --- |

This trail gives you a pleasant and incredibly scenic climb through 3.5 miles of aspen groves, sprawling meadows, and thick pine forests. All this eventually leads you to Desolation Lake itself, a picturesque high-altitude lake. It’s the perfect, tranquil resting spot. From there, it’s a short climb up to the Wasatch Crest Trail that joins in just below the Spine. If you choose to ride to Desolation Lake as an out-and-back, you’re in for a fast and flowy descent. The trail twists and dives, throwing you through the same forests you just climbed through.

Desolation Lake Mountain Bike Ride

This moderate out-and-back hike is popular, and for good reason. Takes you up a well-shaded trail to a beautiful small lake from the Millcreek Canyon side of the mountain.

This is an excellent medium difficulty hike that will appeal to most levels of hikers. Beautiful views, trees that shade most of the trail, and a small but picnic-worthy lake at the top all contribute to one of the most pleasant hikes in Millcreek Canyon. While the 1,300+ feet in elevation gain is not insignificant, the trail is never overly steep. The lake can also be accessed via the Big Cottonwood Canyon side of the mountain, but the Millcreek side is the only one of the two trails that allows dogs. Dog Lake itself is in the middle of a forested part of the mountain.

**Local's recommendation:** An excellent spring, summer, or fall hike. Dogs are allowed; they must be kept on-leash on even days, and can be off-leash on odd days.

**Difficulty:** Moderate - based on overall elevation gain

**Highest point:** 8793 ft

**Lowest point:** 7474 ft

**Best time of year:** Spring, Summer, Fall

**Safety information:** Mountain bikes are also allowed on this trail on even days, so if hiking, watch for bikes on the trail. As with any trail in the foothills, watch for rattlesnakes, especially in summer months. Wear closed-toed shoes when hiking, be aware of your surroundings, and always look carefully before placing hands or feet. Be sure to stay hydrated - even with the shade cover on the trail, it can get very warm.

**Roadbook**

From the parking lot at the top of Millcreek Canyon, take the Little Big Water Trailhead up the mountain, and follow the signs for Dog Lake.

- Start point - Lower Big Water Trailhead, Mill Creek Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84109 - 0 mi
- Lowest point, 7474 ft - 0 mi
- Highest point, 8793 ft - 3.8 mi
- Dog Lake - Destination - 6.9 mi

**How to Get There**

**Public transport:** Bus routes do not travel up to this trailhead - best access is by car.

**Parking:** There is a small parking lot at the trailhead, and parking on the road. If parking on the road is required, there is a trail that parallels the road on the south side that joins up with the trailhead.

Dog Lake via Big Water Trail

Renowned cuisine in a romantic alpine setting. Open from June through September for [Saturday lunch](http://altalodge.com/brunch/index.php?parent=105&subnav=244) and [Sunday Brunch](http://altalodge.com/brunch/index.php?parent=105&subnav=125).

[Weddings](http://altalodge.com/weddings/index.php?parent=93), receptions, [conferences](http://altalodge.com/conferences/index.php?parent=88) and retreats in a beautiful mountain setting.

Alta Lodge Restaurant

There are few precious places in the world like [Alta](https://www.alta.com/), an independently owned ski area since 1938. From its humble roots tied to Utah’s rugged silver mining era, Alta Ski Area emerged as a stellar powder skiing destination. Nestled at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon deep in the Wasatch mountains, Alta is a skiers-only mountain. With an annual snowfall average of 548 inches, powder days at Alta are a way of life.

Come for the skiing. Stay for the skiing.

Included in the Salt Lake Ski Super Pass

[Learn more about the Super Pass](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/things-to-do/skiing-snowboarding/super-pass/)

Alta Ski Area

Visit Salt Lake

Salt Lake is the place where the Wasatch mountain peaks frame city streets. Sure, Salt Lake's famed for our winter powder ([four legendary ski resorts](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/things-to-do/skiing-snowboarding/) just 30 minutes from downtown), but that's just one season's story. Summer brings families [hiking through wildflower meadows](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/) before cooling off at a Jazz game or the Gateway fountains. Autumn paints our mountain canyons in gold, perfect for morning strolls that end at local coffee shops. Spring? That's when you might spot baby bison on Antelope Island before heading to the Eccles Theater for a Broadway show. Our soaring Wasatch Mountains rise dramatically from downtown Salt Lake, creating a place where every day offers both natural wonders and urban energy. And while we sit perfectly between the [national parks](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/things-to-do/outdoor-recreation/state-national-parks/) with Yellowstone's geysers and Utah's red rock country, the real magic happens right here, where everyone can [discover the history](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/plan-your-visit/about-salt-lake/) of the city as they find their own rhythm between mountain adventure and city life.

Sports Salt Lake

Park City Museum will host a lecture called Mormons and Ardent Spirits given by Sandy Brumley and Troy Dryer on Wednesday, November 11, 2026 from 5-6 p.m. held at the Education and Collections Center located at 2079 Sidewinder Drive. More information can be found at www.parkcityhistory.org.In 1847, when the Mormons arrived in Utah, ardent spirits were part of the local craft which was enjoyed by all, Mormon and gentile alike. In 1851, Brigham Young had a revelation that The Saints should no longer imbibe. Oh, and he also monopolized the liquor trade in a highly successful revenue generating scheme for him and his church. The Dryer family was awarded the Idaho franchise of the monopoly.Troy Dryer and Sandy Brumley will describe the history of local spirits distribution, a whisky known as “Valley Tan,” through early Utah and into the Park City Silver Rush. Troy will provide insights from his perspective as a 5th generation Latter-day Saint, while Sandy will share research on the early Utah distribution trade in eastern spirits and beers. Who were the prominent characters to produce, distribute, and own saloons? Where is Whiskey Street? Which temple has a bottle of wine store in the cornerstone? Why were the practices different from the observance of early Latter-day Saints?A mountain host and hiking guide at Park City Mountain Resort, Sandy Brumley is a descendent of iron miners in Minnesota and an avid student of Park City History. This will be the sixth in a series of presentations he has made for the Museum. He is a hike leader for the Museum and a member of Friends of Ski Mountain Mining History.Troy Dryer grew up worldwide as a military child, though he maintains strong connections to Utah. His ancestors settled near Brigham City in 1862 before moving to Idaho. Troy graduated from Bountiful High School and earned a finance degree from the University of Utah. As a financial planner, Troy focuses on helping companies and institutions establish and monitor retirement plans. He divides his time between Dallas and Park City, while several interests occupy much of his schedule. Troy enjoys tennis, hiking, mountain biking, genealogy research, wine tasting, and traveling with his wife, Margaret.This calendar listing is brought to you by NowPlayingUtah.com, Utah's one-stop, online website for arts and entertainment events, powered by the Utah Cultural Alliance.

Mormons and Ardent Spirits by Sandy Brumley and Troy Dryer

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