Jan 3 - Gravel Pit to Beacon Hill (Antelope Island)

 Happy New Year! And finally my 1st hike of 2026!

Not a pretty morning but it's in the low 40s and cloudy warming up to another record breaking high around 55. The sun may come out - fingers crossed.

Heading up to Antelope Island to hike up to Beacon Hill. Plenty of rain the last couple days which will make some trails muddy; sticking with my "go-to" for today.

There's blue sky to the northwest and I'm hoping I'll see some but cloudy pretty much everywhere else.

It's after 8:15 and the moon is still visible and it's absolutely HUGE!! Awesome!

I arrive at the gate and make my way across the causeway. The sun is still rising over the mountains and there's an orange hue to the skies and the water is flat. Lovely reflection including of the 2 Blue Heron sitting in Farmington Bay!!

I do see 1 Kestrel on the crossing.

I arrive on the Island and there are no visible bison.

I drive all the way to the Ranch and the east side of the Island is dead quiet.

There are a couple of cars in the lot when I arrive and I start off just before 3 bikers. It's cloudy and the winds are calm.

When I get out of the Pit, I do see a small herd (maybe 15) sitting far enough off trail to not be an issue. Lots of people movement on the trails already and it's only around 9am.

(The big herd of bison that's been hanging out on the north side have moved on.)

Soon I'm climbing up Beacon Hill and then reaching it's endpoint. Lovely morning. (Note: the bison are not in White Rock basin.)

Time to head back to my car.

On my drive across the causeway, just before the bridge are 3 Bald Eagles!! All 3 are adults with 2 standing next to each other and the 3rd a bit to the west. So happy to see them! I was wondering if they would come south with the warm temps and lack of snow but I guess routine and ducks/fish are worth the flight! :)

And the 2 Blue Heron are still there with 2 additional Heron (the 4 that have been hanging out).

Awesome day!

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