Go Wild for Alta this Summer

While Alta is most popular for its winter wonderland, the summer months bring a whole new way to celebrate the gorgeous ski valley. From bird watching to discovering some of Utah’s most beautiful wildflowers, it’s all about communing with Alta’s natural beauty until the snowflakes fly once again.

So, how can you make the most of your summer Alta getaway? First, get up close and personal with your new feathered friends. The Owlprowl, held Friday, July 21, from 8 to 11 p.m. is sure to be a hoot. First, meet one of Hawkwatch International’s owl raptor ambassadors at the pre-prowl presentation. Then shuttle up to Catherine’s Pass Trailhead for a nighttime stroll while listening for those wise old owls. Click here to learn more and register for this free family event. And don’t forget your hiking shoes!

If you want a little more time with your favorite feathered friends, join Tracy Aviary for a presentation on the birds of Alta during the Annual Bird Walk & Talk on Saturday, Aug. 19, from 9 a.m. to noon. The event, which includes a lift ride and tour through Albion Basin, will highlight some of Alta’s best birding hot spots. Watch (and listen) for dozens of species of songbirds and colorful fowl. To register, simply email info@friendsofalta.org.

But Alta offers more than just birdwatching in the summer months — the Wasatch Wildflower Festival, held Saturday, July 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., features hikes through the Alta ski area for beginner, intermediate, advanced and child hikers. Hikes range from 45 minutes to one-and-a-half hours, depending on the route. Plus, enjoy live music from Leraine Horstmanshoff and Nathaniel Dupertuis. Nearly 1,200 different wildflower species can be counted along the Wasatch Range, with many blossoming for a short time and carpeting meadows in vivid hues of purple, pink and yellow. Click here to learn more!