Sept 27 - Days Fork

Heading up early into the mountains to hike the Day Fork trail. I've been on a portion of this trail this Spring hiking only to the meadow (1.5 miles). (There's another 1.5+ miles to see!!!)

Today my goal is to make it up to the old Eclipse Mine (which is about 3.25 miles and 2200 ft). The "end" sits at 9600ft.

Somewhat cloudy morning but it really doesn't matter to me. My hike is going to be in the morning shadows until the sun gets over the mountains anyway. It's cool -- mid 50s.

The trail starts right away with a short steep climb thru the trees. Nice colors on the leaves of both the trees and brush. After the climb, the trail's grade lessens and it's a pleasant walk thru both small meadows (that are now yellow and dry) and the woods.

It's a little creepy walking in the early morning shade especially thru the woods. I'm definitely making noise as I crunch leaves and brush against dried plant stalks  -- a nice early warning for any animals that may be around.

I finally get to the large meadow - tall mountains on either side. Lots of aspen here - some without leaves and others, golden leaves. Lots of fallen timber in the meadow - maybe avalanches. I'm still in the shade but the sun is just hitting the upper ridge line to the west. I stop to listen to the quaking aspen for a bit before continuing on into new territory for me. (This area will definitely look "brighter" on the return trip.)

After crossing the meadow, the trail climbs steeply out of the canyon and back into a forest. I'm most all the way up the hill when I hear movement in the trees. I stop in time to see a doe cross the trail in front of me. I turn towards the sounds to my right and catch a glimpse of another doe uphill from me. That definitely puts a hop back into my step!

Further down the trail in a pine forest I hear this loud Coo/Whoop sound and see large bird fly and then land in one of the pine trees. I take a few steps closer and another bird and another Coo/Whooping sound lands in another pine tree. I try to find either bird but its very shady. I think they might be grouse. The noise was definitely very unique.

A little further along, I finally reach the sunshine as I enter the 2nd meadow. But the sun is short-lived as I enter the forest again.

Finally, I see mountains in front of me and the trees give way to a very large meadow.

I have to be getting close to the mine. There should be another trail heading to the left going to Silver Fork but I don't see it.

Soon I see the large rusted boilers of the old Eclipse Mine.

They are in a decent sized rocky depression which I assume at one time was the mine's entrance. I can't see an entrance it's probably long since caved in.

In front of me, the mountains form a large alpine bowl which I stand in. The mountains are flat on top -- looks like a nice ridge to walk on if I could scramble my way there -- it's definitely possible as its a just very steep grassy slope - no boulders or scrambling --- but that's not happening today - just fun to think about it. Up near the ridge, I see what looks like snow in some shady crevasses.

The bowl is wonderful -- an amphitheater of nature -- I'm sure this look so amazing when the summer flowers are in bloom!

I poke around for a bit before finding a nice rock to rest on. It's so quiet -- I don't even hear birds.

It's time to start heading back.

I pass by the mine again and just a little further down the trail, I find that trail heading to Silver Fork.
It's only 11am, should I or shouldn't I. Well, I'm here and it's only another 1/4 mile (~300 ft) so off I go up through the forest.

I hear galloping sounds and look up to see the white backside of a deer bounding down the slope. Many squirrels chirping and running around up here.

The trail has many twists and turns but finally I see an opening and arrive on a ridge overlooking Silver Fork (9920ft). There's a big grassy valley below and mountains on the other side - another alpine bowl. To the left, more mountains and some wonderful Fall colors.

To the right, a trail the goes just below the ridge line before seemingly ending at the ridge line about 1/4 miles away. I wonder if that look down into the Days Fork basin or maybe Little Cottonwood Canyon.

I actually start the trail but after a bit figure I already got a 2 to 1 hike today, it's probably a good time to stop. I turn around and find a nice spot to have lunch.

On the way back to the Days Fork trail, I hear that "whoop" sound again. This time the bird lands on the ground not too far off the trail. It's definitely a grouse.

The sun is up above the mountains now and I can see beautiful colors in the pine forest openings.

I'm not too far from the mine back on the Days Fork trail when I finally see another person. He's heading up.

I finally reach that first large meadow -- it's so bright with colors now.

Good hike -- great day!