July 2 - Bald Mountains, Christmas Meadow, etc (Uintas)

Heading to the Uintas today on a quest to see the Jutta Arctic. Learned last year that it flies at Christmas Meadow -- unfortunately, it had already completed its flight before we got there. So today is my shot -- it'll be like finding a needle in a haystack -- but I'm game and excited!!!

On the drive, I see several hot air balloons around the city of Heber -- not expecting to see that this morning but it's fun!

Also, traffic was extremely light, something I wasn't expecting with the holiday week-end coming up.

I arrive in Kamas and start my drive up the Mirror Lake Scenic Byway.

Pretty easy drive (no traffic) and just before I get to the Bald Mountain Pass, I see a deer next to the road.

My plan today is to attempt Bald Mountain this morning and then head to Christmas Meadow afterwards.

After arriving at the pass, I turn into the trailhead parking. There are about 6 cars around 9am.

Beautiful morning, sunny with patchy, fluffy clouds.

The trail is 2 miles and gains 1250ft. Pretty easy except the trail starts at 10,700 ft and finishes at 119943ft - the highest elevation I've ever climbed. Planning on taking it easy and enjoying the views on the way up.

The trail is all about switchbacks to the top and I'm hoping for some flats spots.

The trail starts on the southern side of the mountain and steadily climbs in a westward direction with ever better views of many lakes below and mountains in the distance.

Lots of flowers on the rocky slopes daisies, yellow buckwheat, some dark purple penstemon (I really like these!), paintbrush, yellow sedum,

and the list goes on.

I'm seeing Milbert's Tortoiseshells - lots of them.

And two small white checkered butterfly -- very small. Think it might be a Two-banded Skipper.

Finally time to exit the switchbacks through some conifers and start heading northeast over a very rocky across meadow. Tons of rocks in the meadow. Thinking this looks like prime Magdeline Alpine (a beautiful solid dark brown butterfly) and Rockslide Checkerspot territory.

The flowers have changed here --- much lower to the ground. Mats of pink flowers,

 very small bluebells (< 6in), Sky Pilots, ...

And still incredible views!!

A little further ahead I see my first Maggie of the day! Many more coming.

Also see a couple Riding's Satyrs -- never got a good look but I can tell from it's floppy flight. And one that looks like a Rockslide Checkerspot.

Ahead is my destination.

I arrive at the other side and ready to follow the trail north when I hear this strange moaning/growling type noise -- very loud. I seems to be coming from the conifers on the edge of the mountain. I stand there and wait -- I think it might be wind funneling itself thru the brush -- and then it comes, a very strong wind whips up and blows my way. Afterwards, the noise ends and so does the wind. Strange but cool.

Nice view of Murdock Mt from here.

Heading north now. Seeing Checkered Whites flying.

I arrive at another set of exposed switchbacks, this time on east side of the mountain overlooking Moosehorn Lake, Mirror Lake, etc. Mt Agassiz and Hayden Peak is in the distance (but getting closer).

Up I go.

I'm off the switchback and now heading toward the top.

A little bit of snow here and many Checkered White hilltopping.

Hey, there are a few Anise Swallowtail up here near 12000ft!

Getting a little narrow here for my comfort.

But awesome views!

The last stretch, the trail crosses a rock bridge and then funnels up a opening in the rocks. I take a peek - not so sure about crossing that.

Fortunately, two ladies are heading down that funnel and I ask them about it. They say it's really short, not exposed (scramble, yes) and I'll do fine. Just what I need to hear. So up I went using all four points contact - and five on the way down :)

And boy was it worth it!! I'm on top of the world!!!

Time to head down.

Hoping to see other butterflies on the way down but nothing.

Incredible hike! Incredible day so far!!

After lunch at the base of Bald Mt, time to head for Christmas Meadows on a search for the Jutta Arctic.