There’s something magical about a weeknight hike in the Wasatch in early fall, and our latest Hiking Happy Hour to Willow Lake delivered on every front: golden trees, a wildlife encounter we’ll be talking about for weeks, and a well-earned dinner to cap it all off.
On Tuesday, 10 GOATs met at the Willow Heights trailhead in Big Cottonwood Canyon for an after-work escape. The trail climbs steadily through the forest before opening up to Willow Lake, a peaceful little spot tucked into the trees that feels a world away from the workday. It’s the perfect Hiking Happy Hour trail: short enough to fit into an evening, with just enough climb to get the heart pumping and the conversation flowing.
The aspens were just starting to turn, with pops of yellow scattered through the green like the mountains couldn’t quite decide what season it was. The air had that crisp, early fall bite that makes you want to be outside every chance you get. If you’ve been waiting for leaf peeping season, consider this your sign: it’s starting, and the next few weeks are going to be stunning.
And then came the moment. As we rounded the corner of the trail that circles the lake, a massive bull moose appeared antlers and all. There was a collective gasp, a few very quiet squeals, and a lot of phones slowly coming out of pockets. He initially seemed unbothered, and we gave him plenty of room and soaked in the rare experience of seeing one of Utah’s most impressive animals up close (but not too close). Then, out of nowhere, the moose was spooked and started running near us, and we decided it was time to go and raced back down the trail ourselves!
A quick reminder for all: moose may look calm, but they can be unpredictable and dangerous, especially bulls in the fall rut. Always give them lots of space, never get between a moose and its path, and back away slowly if one starts paying attention to you. We admired from a respectful distance and let him have the right of way.
No Hiking Happy Hour is complete without the happy hour part. We headed down the canyon to Hog Wallow Pub, where we traded trail stories over dinner and drinks. Naturally, the moose was the main topic of conversation, and the photos got passed around the table more than once.
Hiking Happy Hours are one of our favorite ways to connect: a quick trail, great company, and good food afterward. Whether you’re brand new to hiking or a seasoned trail runner, there’s a spot for you. We keep groups small, so keep an eye on the calendar and grab your spot early.
