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 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!
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