Oct 24 - Ruth Lake (Uintas)

Need a change of scenery today -- also hoping to find snow as there's absolutely none in the mountains here. (And there should be at this point!)

So I'm heading out to the Uintas Mountains today. Ten Thousand feet in elevation - big, beautiful rocky country! It's going to be chilly - the high only 42. I've done several hikes here, including several this summer. Today, I'm doing a new hike to Ruth Lake. Not a long hike, only 3/4 of a mile. But the scenery is supposed to be awesome. Since Ruth Lake is so short, I'm also planning to head to Cuberant Lakes - it's a 5 mile round tripper.

Start a little later than desired but I get to the trail head around 10am. On the way up, I see 3 deer (doe). Actually had to slam on my brakes to avoid hitting them as they were right next to the road. One of the deer bolted across the road, another ran away downhill from the road, and the other - well she pranced next to the road for a bit before following the other down the embankment. Exciting stuff!!

Sunny day, it's still in the 30s and there's barely any snow around :( There's a light dusting of snow on the higher peaks - the shadier sides -- but it's definitely not what I was hoping for. But I'm here, and it'll be a great day anyway.

The trail heads up through a sparse pine forest. Lots of rocks of all sizes including large flats one. I love the rocks, adds to the beauty.

There is a bit of snow tucked under rocks or besides trees but its just a dusting.

I get out of the forest onto a rocky flat section so pretty.

I turn back to see to Hayden Peak hidden behind the trees. In fact there is a whole mountain range back there!!

I pass thru a meadow with a little stream. And then more rocks!

I find some water puddles that still have ice from the cold temperatures last night.

I am climbing in elevation but it's minimal. However, the view of Hayden Peak is becoming more unobstructed.

I enter another meadow and two additional peaks come into view both to the south/southwest.

Then comes a little lake -- there is still a layer of ice on top.

Then a bigger lake - there's no ice on this one, just wonderful reflections of the clouds and a mountain peak.

Surprise, I find a still blooming yellow flower tucked in alongside a rock!

Then comes another lake, bigger than before with nice reflections of more southerly peak.

I make my way to the other side and have an awesome view of Hayden Peak!!

Not much further down the trail, I reach Ruth Lake. And it's so beautiful!!

I slowly make my way along the north side of the lake. I hear splashes near the shore - its trout! Bet they are trying to warm up in the shallows.

I get to the other side and once again have incredible views of Hayden Peak.

It looks like a footpath might head around the lake but the actual trail continues past Ruth Lake. I know there are a couple of other lakes out here but I don't exactly know where this trail is heading. Time to find out!

The trail heads up above the lake to the southwest.

I find another flower - a purple aster still in bloom!

After following the trail for a bit I come out on this large flat rocky "shelf". There are tons of rocks around

and the most incredible views of Hayden Peak!

This is definitely my favorite view!

I follow the cairns along the rocks until it enters a forest - somewhere between the two peaks. There are footprints but I have no idea where the trail is heading so it's time to turn around.

I head back to Ruth Lake and find a nice spot for lunch with the view of Hayden Peak.

It's so quiet - all I hear is the occasional plop of a fish on the lake.

As I was sitting there, a lone trout swims by.

Well, time to start heading back.

As I make my way back along the lake I see 6 trout in one little area along the shore.

One last shot of Hayden Peak.

Incredible little hike -- never thought I'd spend 3+ hours on a 1.5 mile round-trip hike.

I saw a little snow, ice (slipped on ice) and awesome views.

Great day!

Oct 23 - Mineral Fork to the Wasatch Mine (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

I have 2 more hikes left on the list I made this Spring. And today I'm heading for Mineral Fork in Big Cottonwood Canyon. The hike is a 3 miles, ~2000ft trail to the Wasatch Mine.

Chilly morning, around 35 degrees at the trail head. But its sunny -- I think the high will be mid-50s. Fall has definitely finally arrived but as I drive up the canyon, winter has arrived too - the S-curve parking lot is now closed for the Winter. (We haven't had any snow yet!)

The parking for the Mineral Fork trail is road side and when I get there around 9:30, there's no one there. Of course, I'm walking in the morning shade yet again.

Very quiet out this morning once I get far enough from enough away from the canyon road. No birds, chipmunks, squirrels, etc. Just the creek that is flowing far below me.

The trail is an old mining road so its wide and easy to follow. But the road is very rocky so I'm slipping and kicking many rocks.

I'm startled by a Grouse as it flies off the ground and into the trees.

The sounds of the creek disappear for a while and start back up. I'm arriving at a water fall coming down from the left side of the trail. It flows across the trail and down to a stream bed below. Before the waterfall, the trail gets a bit wet -- bet the trail is a flowing river (and pretty impassable) in the Spring w/ the snow melt.

I see a Dipper hopping (and dipping) up the water fall. Let's see if I can find a way through the water without getting my shoes wet -- Success!!

After the falls, I see a wooden structure -- looks like the floor joints of an old house/mill. I guess it could be a old bridge as its over on dry creek bed but there's no where for it to go.

I guess I'll be seeing that waterfall again as the trail switches back. I cross yet again!

Another switchback but I don't have to cross creek for a third time as  the creek flows for a while parallel to the trail.

Good views west down the Canyon -- will be much better on the way back when the sun is up higher in the sky.

For a while, it's just walking through the pine forest or walking with the sun in my eyes - can't really look around.

I come upon a creek. There a logs in two sections for folks to cross but I decide to rock hop across.

Then it opens up to a big meadow and aspen groves. To the east, are mountains - large and rocky. Still some color on them as the oaks are in Fall color. Most of the aspen near the trail are bare now but there are patches of yellow and orange. Really pretty.

But then I'm back in the pine forest again until I reach another meadow. Still hard to see in front of me because of the sun but to the east, more mountains!

I see on old rusted boiler (or something that looks one) so I think I must be getting close to the mine. To my left, I see a trail with switchbacks along the mountain side. I think that's my trail but when I get there the trail splits with mine staying to the right. Not sure where the left side (with the switchbacks) go and I won't find out today.

The trail was pretty easy up until this point but now its starting to climb.

I finally come upon a new stream, very rusty in color. Must be getting close to the mine. Through the sun haze, I can see the mountains at the end of the Fork and then I look left and see a big pile of mine tailings and a creek flowing along side of it -- that's where the mine is!

I'm level with the mine when the trail splits, to the right and another 1.5 miles and 1500 ft in elevation is the Regulator Mine, but I'm heading left to the Wasatch Mine.

What an awesome view down towards Big Cottonwood Canyon!

I arrive and my peace is broken by the sound of an ATV which arrives at the mine before I do. (I think he came up that other trail.)

I cross the rust-colored creek so I can look for the mine. But I can't find it. So I cross back and there's the gate mine entrance -- it's, of course, the source of the rusty water.

I find great spot for lunch with awesome an awesome view towards Big Cottonwood Canyon road.
I feel like Simba in the Lion King!! :)
 

Time to head back down and see what I missed in the morning shadows!

I had hoped the sun would be high enough to get a good look down to the end of the fork, it's better but it's Fall!

The trip along the mountains is prettier.

At one point I hear a twig break and then see a grouse fly up and over the trail to the other. Scared the crud out of me!

Back at the viewpoint....definitely better than earlier.

Wonderful day -- beautiful place!

Oct 18 - White Rock Trail (Antelope Island)

Rained last night and since the storm clouds are still lingering over the mountains this morning, I'm heading to Antelope Island to walk the White Rock Trail.

Very cloudy morning but the further I go north, the sunnier its getting (except for a big black cloud to the west).

Lots of birds on Farmington Bay this morning but not many in the Salt Lake.

I head directly for the west side of the island and spot a single bison on the north end behind the Visitor's Center. He ends up being the only wildlife I see on the way to the trail head.

A guy, who just finished running the trail, tells me he had seen 2 groups of bison, 2 small herds of antelope and a coyote --- I'm excited!

There are no animals visible from the trail head so I start the loop in my usual clockwise direction. Really not much happening except for the birds flying in and out of the grasses. I'm watching very carefully for the antelope because even in herds they're not always easy to spot (especially with brown vegetation).

I'm basically at the top and heading west on the final stretch - when finally, I see some bison. A small herd of about 10-15. Most are laying down.

That sky is looking pretty nasty -- some of the storms clouds are nearing the island.

Starting to wonder if I should take the short loop today. I've never been on it -- it stays high and loops back instead of dropping into the valley. I got a little time to decide.

I'm heading towards the ridge when I see movement in the grass heading toward the trail. It's a buck! He trots across the trail ahead me.

I turn to see another buck following. He too crosses the trail. I look for them when I get further along the trail but they must have went up the hill to the mesa.

I get to the ridge and continue walking south. I'm seeing signs of antelope (scat, hoof prints) but not seeing any animals.

I see a guy (and dog) heading around from the short loop and ask him if he has seen any antelope. He said they are in the big valley and I should continue down the valley for the best chance to see them. Well, the big loop it is! Here's hoping to see the antelope and avoid getting rained on in the process. :)

I get about 1/4 way down the valley when I see the antelope in the distance. There is a herd of about 9 pronghorn and over about 20 yards is the male is about 30 yards keeping watch over his harem.

As I get closer I notice 4 horseback riders approaching me (and the herd). Antelope seem to spook easily so I'm hoping they stay put. Nope, the horses spook the females and they drop behind the knoll. Not all is lost as I should see them again a little further down the trail. And I do.

There are also 3 bison in the middle of the valley.

I'm seeing little Western Pygmy Blues flying now.

And some fresh purple Aster

and Evening Primrose. Guess the record-setting temperatures we're having has got some flowers confused.

On the final stretch along the lake, I'm seeing a few Clouded Sulphers, lots of Pygmy Blues (I gave up counting at 35), a Common Checkered Skipper and a Checkered White.

A jackrabbit runs across the trail in front of me.

I get back to my car happy to have found the antelope and not getting rained on  -- the storm stayed over the lake.

I head over to the east side of the island and drive down to the ranch. There's 4 bison a little off the road, 1 up on the ridge, and 6 down by the lake.

I find one pronghorn in a field.

And then a huge herd of bison scattered down by the lake.

On the drive back north, I couldn't find that pronghorn but further down the road I see another pronghorn (head only) on a ridge.

Another good day on Antelope Island!

When I get home, I have a little visitor sitting in front of my garage door

 Love these guys!

Oct 13 - Red Pine Lake (Little Cottonwood Canyon)

Since our nice unseasonably warm weather is going away this coming week-end, I decided to take a vacation day to get another mountain hike in without all the layers packed.

I'm heading to Red Pine Lake in Little Cottonwood Canyon. The Fall colors by the road are at their peak so I'm hoping to enjoy that today.  (Red Pine Lake is a 3.25 mile hike with a gain of 2000 ft to an elevation of 9,600 ft.

Beautiful sunny morning with temps in the low 50s at the trailhead. The trail is in the morning shade so it feels even cooler.

There's lots of yellow aspen around  -- will look much nicer when I return.

It's a good start to the morning as I see a Grouse crossing the trail. Lots of chipmunk running around this morning

And squirrels too.

I finally make it out into the morning sunshine - beautiful!

But then I'm quickly back in the shade until the Red Pine/Maybird Lakes split at 2.5 miles

I also see a Pika dragging some vegetation into his burrow. He then comes back out to survey his territory.

I pass the Maybird Lakes split and enter the wet slippery trail zone. This portion is very wet in the Spring but I thought by this time of year the trail would be dry - nope. Then comes the very rocky portion and then just a "normal" trail that climbs.

I arrive at Red Pine and it's wonderful. 

I head to the southwest corner of the lake and look down to the valley.

I see a Mylitta Crescent and a dragonfly.

The water is low enough that I can rock hop to the dam wall which I use to cross to the other side of the lake. 

I've never walked the dam --- some very pointy peaks on the other side which I've never seen before.

I get to the other side and explore. I walk around the lake following a trail along the shore. I'm seeing parts of the lake I've never seen before. But instead of walking all the way around, I head back, re-cross the dam and then walk the trail along the other side.

I've always wanted to go to Upper Red Pine -- I've seeing the waterfall tumbling from Upper Red Pine but I'm usually here in June when there's still snow around. Upper Red Pine was not in my plans for today but when I get to the east side of the lake, I find a trail that may take me there but I'm not sure. 

Upper Red Pine should be 1/2 mile and 400 ft higher (10,000ft). Let's give this a go!

The trail is definitely steep (but not rocky) and follows a smaller stream (now just a trickle). The view down on lower Red Pine are very nice.

I see a ridge up ahead and I'm getting excited that I may actually make it to the lake but no, there's a boulder field and yet another ridge. 

I need to squeeze by 2 large boulders and I'm back on a trail and still climbing. I get to the next rock wall, no lake. I'm definitely on the wrong trail and I have no idea where I'm heading -- maybe to a ridge above White Pine Lake. Definitely time to turn around.

Didn't make it to the lake but the views were incredible.

I get back to lower Red Pine and find a good spot along the shore for lunch.

I see a Milbert's Tortoiseshell fly by. And watch what appears to be a fish (shiny silver thing) feeding on the top of the lake.

Well, it's time to head back done. 

 

I see a Hoary Comma flying.

And surprise, surprise, a blooming geranium!! It's tucked against a rock and has 2 white flowers.

When I get low enough and looking down the canyon again, lots of Fall colors!!

Great day!

After reviewing my pictures, I have located Upper Red Pine Lake! I was very much to the left of the lake but at least climbed high enough to see it. I think I might know how to get to it -- not sure that will happen this year though.

.

Oct 11 - Catherine's Pass and beyond

Heading to one of my favorites this morning - Catherine's Pass (and beyond). Sunny morning and a little cool (but still above normal). The drive up Little Cottonwood canyon was beautiful -- about 1/2 way up the canyon the aspens by the road are now in full yellow -- will look awesome when the sun gets high enough.

Plenty of room in the parking lot this morning - but more cars than I expected.

It's in the low 50s which isn't bad especially when hiking uphill but the wind is really blowing (and it's still shady) so on goes the fleece.

Catherine's Pass is a one mile (800ft) hike up to 10,200 ft.

I'm surprised to see a few purple asters at the beginning of the trail still in bloom. They are the only ones I see today. Lots of brown vegetation and fluffy seed heads.

I'm constantly looking for moose (especially in the valley below) and deer. When I get to the big meadow I see movement on the other side of the meadow. There's a deer (doe) coming down the slope towards the meadow. Boy, is she hard to see! I'm looking for additional deer but she seems to be solo this morning.

I stop to look back towards the basin.

I get arrive at Catherine's Pass expecting to several people (based on the cars in the lot) but there is only a group of 3 guys. I stop briefly to have a look see. Most of views below are still in the morning shadows but I do see some tree color beyond where Lake Mary should be (she all dried up for the 2nd year in the a row).

I start my way up to Sunset Pass. Really windy now, starting to think about putting on the wind breaker but warm sunshine seems to be doing the trick for now. I get to the Pass and look out towards the east/southeast. It's still in the morning haze but I can see Mt Timpanogos, over to Heber City, .... wonderful as always.

I continue to the south, around the ridge of the Albion Basin, toward Devil's Castle and the Supreme Lift.

Beautiful views down into the basin and the surrounding mountains but super windy and chilly, time to dig that wind breaker out.

I get to the ridge at around 10,400 feet and walk around and enjoy the views. I see 6 Clouded Sulphers braving the windy conditions.

Great views of Sugarloaf, Bald Mt and Superior from the Lift.

And a nice trio of Devil's Castle, Sugarloaf and Bald Mt.

I take a short break looking towards the northeast with Sunset Peak and Heber City in my views.

Time to start heading back. I'm almost back to Sunset Peak when I spot 2 Checkered Whites flying around. Hardy little critters -- but then we've had near record setting temps almost continuously since Sept --- there should be some snow up here already but nothing.

On the way down to Catherine's Pass, I stop near Sunset Pass for some, now sunny, views down on Catherine's Lake and the surrounding area.

I get back to Catherine's Pass and this is a first for me, absolutely no one there!!

On the way down, I find a low growing BallonFlower (it looks like a miniature one).

The views are much better now as the trail is now in the sun!

Awesome day!

Oct 9 - Broads Fork (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

Heading out for a new hike today - Broads Fork in Big Cottonwood canyon. The maintained trail ends after climbing about 2200 ft in 2 miles. However, two foot trails continue thru the basin and up to Twin Peaks or Dromedary Peak (both 11,000ft peaks). Neither peak is my destination -- out of my skill level and comfort zone -- the basin at the end of the trail is my destination.

The trail head sits at the S-turn in the canyon and the parking there is usually at a premium as the more popular Lake Blanche starts from the same parking. But today, to my surprise, I actually didn't have to park in the secondary lot or along side the road but in the main lot!! (Coming on Friday sure helps.)

The trail starts on the west end of the lot and begins its climb heading west - paralleling the canyon. The trail is thru a very heavy pine forest with a steep slope to the up and down sides. Its all in the shade this morning even though its after 9am. The trail is pretty easy walking (i.e., not many rocks, tree roots, etc) The trail turns away south and the noises of the road fade away.

Soon I start to hear the sounds of a creek which means my first destination, the stream crossing (1.1 miles) is coming up.

The crossing is over a footbridge and the creek, with uphill/downhill slope, is a little waterfall. It's really pretty.

Onward and upward I go. I exit the pine forest and am passing thru meadows and aspen groves. Very quiet out -- no birds sounds. I come around one corner and nearly jump out of my shoes after seeing what I think is a moose alongside the trail. Nope, just a big black rock! Whew!

The hills are much rockier now. I'm starting to get nice views of mountains to the north but its still very shady.

Finally, I come to this large rock slab with a mountain view to the south. Definitely not my destination but I've got to be almost there. And an really nice view north.

Not too much further I break out of an aspen grove into a very large meadow. There's a wonderful view to the north and the view south, up the Broads Fork Basin, Wow!!

Quite honestly, the most spectacular view I've seen in the UT mountains!!

This is the end of the maintained trail but the trail continues east and one goes south. I take the one east as I believe it heads to a little lake. I make some detours on some side trails to take in the basin views. The peaks (left to right) - Dromedary (11,107) and Sunrise (11,275) terminate basin.  I can see a little snow up there!! And very rocky slopes off Sunrise are glistening with water (probably melting snow). There are pops of yellow from the aspen still in Fall colors --- an incredible view (even with the sun low on the horizon).

Before getting to the lake, there are 2 sets of logs to cross over a little stream. I cross one set to get a photo.

Do I really want to go to the lake? I saw it from above and it's low on water... I think I pass. I'd rather go back and take that other trail heading up the right side of the basin.

So as I walk that right trail, I look down on that little lake (the I chose not to go to) and holy cow, there's a moose there!!

It's a female and she's on the southern edge. She's there just for a moment before she heads into some trees. I watch to see where's she's heading but I can't find her. Amazing that a creature that big can simply disappear -- no movement in the trees, nothing. If I had only gone to the lake - ugh!! Oh well, at least I saw her.

I continue along, still keeping my out for the moose below. I see another little pond down below, and the stream flowing down from the peaks across the way. The running water is the only sound I'm hearing.

I follow the trail for a little bit until I end up back in the trees. I'm sure the trail will take me to the rocky slopes but I'm more interested in finding that moose so I head back to spot above the pond with a good view of the lake and have lunch watching for moose. And enjoying the mountain views.

I see 2 Mylitta Crescents at my lunch spot.

As I'm eating, I wonder why this trail isn't very popular. It's amazing! I can only figure it's because there's no real lake for people to lunch and recreate by. Boy are they missing out. But shhh, it great for folks looking for a little solitude.

After a 1/2 hour and no moose sightings, it's time to start heading down.

The trail is definitely brighter now. I see a Hoary Comma in the woods.

I finally see people, one trail runner and a little further down a couple heading to the footbridge.

In one spot I start hearing what sounds like a short blow on a whistle. I look in the trees and find this gray bird on the very tip of a pine. I think it may be a Townsend's Solitaire.

Great day and an amazing hike! Hope to be back before the snow piles up on the trail.