What would a gondola in Little Cottonwood Canyon do to the view? Environmentalists float balloons to demonstrate.

I spent a recent Saturday morning watching a group of environmental activists fly large balloons into the air.

They were trying to make a point — about what building 20 towers to run a gondola through Little Cottonwood Canyon would do to the views in the landmark canyon.

The gondola is one of two proposals the Utah Department of Transportation has proposed to improve traffic flow in the canyon, which is a haven for backcountry hikers and skiers, as well as home to two of Utah’s most popular ski resorts, Alta and Snowbird.

The gondola would start at a park-and-ride lot at the bottom of the canyon, and have stops at the two resorts — bypassing trailheads and other popular spots in between. The other proposal is to widen the road and add more shuttle bus service.

The environmental groups are opposed to both proposals. Their preference would be to enhance bus service, which could take people to the ski resorts and other stops, while limiting car traffic up the canyon.

My colleague, Salt Lake Tribune photographer Francisco Kjolseth, took some breathtaking photos of the canyon and the balloons. And the balloon launch itself was something of an adventure. Read about it here, at sltrib.com.