When winter comes and the lakes and ponds start to freeze, sometimes plants and other organic matter start to decompose. That creates methane bubbles. Sometimes these get trapped in the ice. This is most frequent in shallow water without too much flow.
Sometimes leaves and fish are trapped in the ice.
There are prints of other leaves and cool bubbles.
These photos were taken at Vivian Park, just across the little grassy area from where you end when rafting down the Provo River. It is just farther up the canyon from Bridal Veil Falls, Upper Falls, and Bridesmaid Falls.
In winter 2020 had just started snowing when we arrived so I had to brush away the powder to see the bubbles.
In December 2021, the bubbles were much easier to see since it hasn’t snowed much.
I let my kids come on the ice with me. We were careful to make sure it was thick enough and we wore micro-spikes so we wouldn’t slip.
Do you want to see why this shallow pond gets so many bubbles?
These photos were taken in September. You can see how much green is filling the water, so it’s no surprise that there is lots of decomposition as it freezes.
This pond scum, algae, and other growth is both fascinating and gross.
It makes for some awesome frozen bubbles!
Stats: Distance – 0.1 walk
Approximate hiking time – 1 minute
Elevation gain – 3 feet
Difficulty – Easy
Trail – sidewalk
Bathrooms – Yes
Seasons – Frozen Bubbles are only November-February, but Vivian Park is accessible Year Round
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – Yes
This is also very near South Fork Park and Big Springs Loop.
