June 28 - Silver Lake and Willow Lake (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

Supposed to be over 100 degrees in SLC today. Heading into the mountains to hike to Twin Lake Pass via Twin Lakes.

Get to Silver Lake parking around 9am. It's already 67 degrees at 8700ft. Doesn't sound hot, but with the sun beating on, I'm sweating just putting on my hikers. (Talked to a man who camped with his family nearby -- he too said it was hot.)

I head out to Silver Lake. Very green and lots of wetland now as the lake has receded. Still looking pretty though.

I go right around the lake to the Twin Lakes trail head. Very pretty purple penstemon flowers in the wetland.

And I see some trout in the lake.

I get to the trail head and there's a sign. And it unfortunately says that the trail to Twin Lakes Pass and the trail above Lake Solitude are closed for reconstruction. Darn! That's the loop I was planning on today. Oh well!

As I try to think of a plan B, I head around the rest of the lake.

I see 3 female mallards --- where are the baby ducks??

And in another wet area, the Elephanthead and White Bog Orchids are in bloom!

Blue damselflies are flying. I think this is a Taiga Bluet - male.

As I complete the loop and am almost back to the Visitor's Center, I see a doe come out of the shrubs across the meadow from me, step on the boardwalk and head back into the shrubs as there was a person heading toward the doe. He never saw the deer. I waited, hoping the deer would come out again but nothing.

Well that was nice, what's next... Plan B: I'm heading to Willow Lakes. I haven't been there in weeks, it's a short hike and it's on my way back down the canyon.

I get to the trail head -- as a group of 6 with a small kid were starting. They let me go ahead (which was nice) but I quickly let them ahead --- I don't like feeling rushed with people behind me -- and they were talking. Letting them go ahead, let's me stay far behind the noise. :)

Boy is the area quite lush now. The aspens are leafed out and the forest floor is filled with plants. Gernaniums are the dominant flower.

There are also roses, bluebells, many yellow composites and Cow Parsnip in the aspen grove.

The vegetation is so thick now, I can barely see the ski resorts behind me.

I do pass the group later on the trail -- the little boy wanted out for a walk :)

As I exit the forest into the meadow, boy does it look different! The bare mountains are green with leaves, the meadow is full of plants and flowers, the little pond is totally gone. But there still are ground squirrels running around - though they are much harder to see now.

I pass the pond area and head to Willow Lake.

I pass thru a narrow forested area filled with geraniums, bluebells, tall Jacob's Ladder, ....

I stop at the near side for a quick look.

The lake is lower than before and there are lots of damselflies and dragonflies flying. I think I'm seeing Familiar Blues. Including mated pairs.

There are also female damelflies of another species of blue -- they don't really fly, it's almost a flutter (weak flyers).

I head around to the left, I continue to pass thru flowers and come to a little stream crossing with lots of mud. There is a Weidenmeyer's Admiral,

Mexican Cloudywing, Boisduval's Blue and some Western Tailed Blue puddling.

I pop out and the sea of flowers continues -- mostly Tall Jacob's Ladder and Geraniums but there are others as I get into a drier habitat.

I cross and head around the lake.

There are 5 mallards (females again -- looks like the males flew the coup) in the water. And the flowers on these side are stunning.

And with flowers, there are a few butterflies: Checkered Whites, Mylitta Crescent and Northern Checkerspot (bright vivid orange). In the puddles, are WTB and Boisduval's and Cloudywings. I spot to Skippers but they don't stay still long enough for an ID. And I can't forget the Common Ringlets!

I finally get a good view of the ski resort from the far side.

I head down the trail to head around the lake. I love this part of the trail. It's through an aspen grove and the plants are overgrowing the trail -- I love to feel the plants on my legs and letting my feet find the trail and not my eyes - awesome!

There are Mustard Whites flying in the forest.

I get back to the near side -- tons of blue damselflies. And a whole area filled with buttercups. Talk about a splash of yellow!

There are White Columbine and Green Gentian between the lake and aspen grove.

I come out back at the top of the meadow. And continue along the trail back to the lake.

I see a Western Swallowtail is nectaring on some penstemon.

I arrive back to the lake and walk the near side. I find some wetland plants. One is probably in the buttercup family.

And the other looks like a ground hugging hairy Monkeyflower - if one exists.

Time to head home.

I see two Clodius Parnassian flying in the aspen groves.

Great day!

June 26 - Cecret Lake (and Saddle)

Heading to Secret Lake today in the Albion Basin (which is past the end of road in Little Cottonwood Canyon). The road ends at the town of Alta (aka Alta Ski Resort). The only way I've ever gotten into the basin is driving a dirt summer road to a couple of parking areas and started my hiking there.

Unfortunately, the summer road is not yet open -- it opens on July 1. While looking for the opening date, I found out that I can actually start my hike from Albion base parking at the ski resort. The hike is through mountains meadows that look spectacular when the flower blooms are at their peak.

I'm excited for the new trail -- even though the flowers are several weeks away from their peak.

I start around 8am. The trail (for the most part) is a ski cat dirt road. The trail starts around 8800ft -- it's in the shade and very cool. Which is nice because I'm going uphill at total of 1500 ft to get to the lake at 9920. (2.25 miles one way)

Lots of green plants on both sides of the trail. The flowers in bloom are the "usuals" - bluebells, Forget-me-knots, strawberries, wallflowers, geraniums (white and pink), penstemon and Red Paintbrush (it's becoming more common now). And I can't forget the Columbine!

This is prime moose habitat so I'm keeping my eyes open and scanning.

This is an interpretive trail so there are little stopping points showing/explaining native wildlife, etc.

Peaceful walk with birds chirping and water running down streams.

No snow so far but it may be coming further along.

I pass thru one very tiny wetland area and the Shooting Stars are blooming.

I finally make it out of the wooded section into the sunlight and the "basin". Very green and no snow to be seen - well, there are some patches higher in the mountains. Devil's Castle is ahead of me (a 10900 ft peak) and will get closer as I approach Cecret Lake.

I finally get the Cecret Ski Lift at 9260ft but continue past. I'm out of the meadow and into a forested section. There's a stream running next to the trail. And some Marsh Marigolds -- these look a little past bloom.

I arrive at the next lift - this ends the "Upper Albion Meadows Trail" w/ 1100ft gained. And starts the 3/4 mile trail to Cecret Lake. (Much easier when the road is open and I can see the closed trail head parking.)

Still following creeks and crossing through wets spots. I see buttercups and Spring Beauties.

The trail once again opens up to wonderful views of Devils Castle

which I get to look at the rest of the way to the lake.

Have to cross two creeks - one on logs and one on rocks -- nothing big or deep though.One of those creeks has many Marsh Marigolds growing around it.

And one patch of snow to get around too.

Now starts the rocky climb to the lake.

I can see a waterfall flowing out of Cecret Lake in the distance.

And Devil's Castle is only bigger.

I get up the rocky trail and arrive at a stunning lake.

I circle around to the far side enjoying the views (of Devil's Castle).

The water is calm and I can see fish in the water. Actually, they look a little funny for fish....they're actually immature salamanders (Tiger Salamanders)!!

I'm feeling good so I decided to follow a trail that goes above the lake to the saddle. I'm not sure of the elevation change but it's up and rocky. But extremely pretty.

The lake is getting smaller and smaller.

Lots of flowers blooming on the rocks --- the summer show here has started!

I spot a Two Banded Skipper and then another.

I finally get to the saddle.

There's snow up here! (I'm above 10K ft now.)

I follow a tiny stream west through some just melted areas.

And come across a profusion of Marsh Marigolds -- spectacular!!

And I'm under a ski lift again.

I should turn back but my curiosity is up (and it's barely 9:30). I know if I follow the trail it will take me to a road which will take me to Germania Pass -- not on my plan today but definitely in my plans for the future.

There are some White butterflies flying -- they won't stop long enough for an ID.

I decide to follow the road for a bit before deciding to turn around (probably not far from the pass, but gives me incentive to come back .... and see more flowers).

Stop at one of the snowy gullies.

And the views are better heading back to Cecret Lake.

Heading back down the trail to the lake and spot a Yellow-belled Marmot running along the rocks.
He's definitely on the move.

Lovely day!

June 21 - Lake Mary

Got an early start this morning -- going to be a short day so the plan is Lake Mary above the Brighton Ski Resort.

Sunny morning with wispy clouds and windy - very windy.

The lower portion of the trail is surrounding by lush green plants that will look awesome in a few weeks but today mostly only bluebells, forget-me-knots in bloom and some columbine in bud - the red/white variety.

The trail is much drier than when I was here last time.

Many ground squirrels running around this morning.

And chipmunks.

I make my way to Dog Lake -- spot a Boisduval's Blue sunning itself. The lake is very small now.

Hoping to see a moose because its only 8:20am but nothing.

I head back to the trail to Lake Mary.

On the way down, I spot a family of baby ground squirrels playing hide-n-seek from one of their den holes.

Good short day!

June 19 - Red Pine Lake (Little Cottonwood Canyon)

Heading to Red Pine Lake today. It's the earliest I've tried and honestly, I'm not expecting to see much snow.

The trail starts around 7600ft and after hiking 3.25 miles I'll reach the lake at 9600 ft.

The day is beautiful - supposed to be mid/upper 90s in the valley - the mountains will be cooler but an earlier start gets me to my destination before it gets too warm.

I get started just before 9am.

The first part of the trail is very shady (and a little cool) as its thick forest and because the sun is still behind the mountains.

I can hear rushing water as I approach the first bridge. These hot temperatures is hurrying the melting of the remaining snow in the higher elevations and the proof, the fast water flow.

I cross the bridge and head into a dappled sunlight as I continue up the trail to the next creek and the actual Red Pine Trail. (The trail I'm on is shared by the White Pine Lake, Maybird Lakes and Red Pine Lakes trails. At the next creek, about 0.8 miles ahead, White Pine splits off but Red and Maybird continue together for another 1.7 miles before they too split.)

I'm seeing lots of green vegetation. The abundant flowers are the White Geraniums but many shrubs in bloom as well, including the Thimbleberry (yummy!).

The trail is for the most part dry but in some spots, there is a little water running down the trail. (splash, splash)

Spot my first ground squirrel of the day. Actually, I only see a few today -- not sure where they all are -- other times I've been here, I've seen lots.

Baneberry,

Virgin's Bowers, a few red Paintbrush and White (Colorado) Columbine are blooming. Many of the Columbine are still in their rocket shaped buds and others in full bloom. I see a few that have a blueish tinge to them.

I get to the 2nd creek - again flowing fast - lovely waterfall.

I cross at the footbridge and enter a very wet forest. Seeing many ferns, Bitter Cress (w/ white flowers), and other plants.

A little further and I'm out of the wet woods and into a drier habitat - heading for the overlook.

New flowers here: a different species of Red Paintbrush, Larkspur, a lovely blue Penstemon, and Scarlet Gilia.

The views down Little Cottonwood Canyon are lovely.

Now the real climbing begins.

I can finally see the creek flowing down from Red Pine Lake rushing down the mountain - that means I'm getting close to the last footbridge - < 1 mile to go!

I reach the final footbridge and stop to enjoy the creek and the flowers in the wet area -- Shooting Star,

Columbine (not yet in bloom) and Elephanthead (about ready to bloom).

I continue on without crossing the bridge -- I'd be heading to Maybird Lakes if I crossed. (That's for another day.)

A little further up the trail, it's time for me to cross the creek on some rocks.

I start finding some snow near the trail and in the woods now.

The trail goes through a very rocky section before entering an opening with some decent views.

I start seeing early season buttercup and Spring Beautys.

The trail crosses two small sections of snow before reaching the lake.

I head to the near shore to get my first views. Not a lot of snow left on the mountains but still very pretty.

I follow the trail along the shoreline -- I can hear water running (the source of the creek I've been following) and want to find it.

I pass some rocky outcroppings and find some Wallflower, Paintbrush, and some some blue Penstemon.

I climb one of the outcropping to get a higher view.

And find the source of the creek. I make my way there and see the source of the creek from the lake as it tumbles down the mountain.

Its an interesting spot where the lake overflows. There a brick wall down the Northwest side of the lake holding in all the water from the valley below. Between me and the brick wall is water and the overflow heading downhill.

I could get to the brick dam by crossing about 5 end-to-end logs -- but not worth it. (I'll wait until the water is lower and I can cross without the logs.)

Behind the logs is where the overflow begins and the water rushes down the valley.

Time to head over to the other end - by the main trail.

Just a few flowers blooming along the way: Meadow Rue, Forget-Me-Knots, and Paintbrush.

I get to the other side and although there are no close mountains to close at, it's still very serene.

I make my way to the far end -- where the water overflowing  from Upper Pine lake (at least a portion of it) flows into Lower Pine Lake). It's really cozy here - a couple large boulder and flowing stream and great views down the lake. There still snow on the other side of the lake.

I had lunch here last year and I will this year but first it's time to find the water flowing down from Upper Pine Lake.

I cross the creek on a very wobbly log and follow a trail uphill. There's snow here -- a good amount in the wood sections where I'm headed.

But I pass on the trail and head over to the creek and follow it up as far as I'm willing to go. Pretty incredible.

I head back to my lunch spot, well for lunch.

Time to head back.

On the way down, besides slipping and falling in one of the two patches of snow on the trail (quite refreshing), I see a Mourning Cloak, a Sleepy Duskywing, Satyr Comma, Milbert's Tortoiseshell and a Field Crescent.

Awesome day!

June 14 - Mill D South Trail

Time to head back to the Mill D South trail and see what it looks like with no snow around and hopefully get to the Cardiff Mine.

Beautiful day, sunny and highs near 90s (cooler in the mountains where I'll be).

I get to the trail head around 9:30 am. There's a good number of cars in the parking area but its not overflowing yet. Most of these folks are headed for Donut Falls and that's not where I'm going so I'm not worried about a crowded trail.

It's about a 3/4 mile walk to the actual trail head - I guess I can drive now since the road is open but I'm not even sure if there would be parking at this point (Donut Falls is extremely popular and shares the same trail head).

But the walk to the trail head is very pretty. It's green and lush, the creek is flowing strongly, and the mountains are pretty much snow-free. Even Mt Kessler, at 10,400 ft, is pretty much devoid of snow.

There are some flowers in bloom: Geraniums, Yellow Ragwort, Bluebells and a few Green Gentians.

I spot a Two-tailed Swallowtail flying along.

I get to the actual trail head and its full of cars as I figured.

The official trail head starts around 7200 ft, I'm heading to the mine at around 8500 ft and 2.5 miles.

I veer right and cross the bridge over the creek. I'm immediately greeted by a Hoary Comma sunning itself in a spot of sunlight.

The creek is the highest I've seen it with the last of the remaining snow melt.

I cross the bridge and start my uphill climb.

I've been on this trail twice and both times I've trekked through snow. Seems weird to not have snow on the trail - but its definitely easier and quicker walking.

There are spots of water on the trail -- need to watch for butterflies on the way back when its in the sun.

I'm seeing Milbert's Tortoiseshells flying and in the muddy areas as well as Sara Orangetips.

The trail is a little confusing without snow as there are several side trails that weren't visible during the winter. I need to make sure I stay on the main trail.

I spot some Pinedrops (I think) coming up near the pines. This p;ant does not photosynthesize -- it uses decaying organic matter as food; it's a saprophyte.

I'm also seeing Virgin's Bowers, Strawberries and Mitrewort in the shadier sections.

The stream flowing next to the trail is really moving - sounds so relaxing as it falls over rocks and logs from the higher elevations.

I finally get to the ridge with the valley below (and the sunlight) -- so pretty (though, honestly, it looked better with the snow).

I continue on past where I got in the winter -- and surprisingly, I get there in 1/2 the time. And stand corrected, in the winter at this point, I thought I was close to the mine but I'm still at least a mile away. Oops! Counting that walk to the trail head as part of the overall mileage.

Starting to see Mustard Whites flying now and many more Commas (both Hoary and Satyr). I see one Blue -- a Western Tailed Blue.

The continues along on the ridge but it eventually levels out with the valley below.

I start seeing signs of an old mine - a huge tailing pile. To get closer I need to cross a rusty looking creek that's covered the trail and its flowing down the valley between the aspen trees.

The water is about 4-5 inches deep. I can go through it, skirt it by going through the shrubs at the base of the tailing pile or take a little trail worn into the tailing pile. I choose the trail in the tailing pile.

I get back to the main trail -- a couple of Hoary Commas are sunny themselves on the rocks near the creek.

A bit further I come to another creek crossing. This one has several creeks coming down across the trail. Unlike the other creek, this water is clear and cold - fresh snow melt. There's really only one deep channel to get across though.

There are some rocks to hop across but they are covered in water. Luckily, there are two logs that cross the main flow -- time to check my balance.....which is good.

I hop over a couple of other small streams and continue along the road.

Now I'm on the east side of the creek and heading up again leaving the stream below.

I can see some really impressive peaks in the distance between the pines that I'll be getting to shortly. And then I see "Private Property" and "No Trespassing" signs on the trees - lots of them. Not sure if I should turn around or not -- I'm pretty sure this is the way to the mine. I go on for another 100 yards or so where there are more signs. Starting to feel guilty - not sure what the  State Rules are for these signs (and I don't want to meet someone with a gun) so I turn around. :(

Those pretty peaks will have to wait for another day. :(

Heading down back through the water crossings (keeping the feet dry). The valley seems to be greener since the sun is up higher.

Still seeing the Commas, Mustard Whites and Sara Orangetips. And I see a very small white and black butterfly flying low to the ground. It stops on a plant -- its either a Two-Banded or Grizzled Skipper. Will have to wait until I get home. (It turns out to be a Two-Banded Skipper.)

There's a small side trail that heads down to the creek. I head down hoping to have some great views from below. Not bad!

Time to continue back.

I see a Rocky Mt Duskywing in one of the mud puddles.

I also run into several State Forestry folks heading up. I ask about the Private Property - No Trespassing Signs. They agree that as long as the road is not gated (which its not) and I stay on the trail, I should be OK (but I should check with the district office). Oh well, too late for today.

Still an awesome hike and an awesome day.

Great day!