April 25 - Mill D - South towards Cardiff Pass

Heading into the mountains today to check out the snow coverage on some trails. I haven't been up there in ages, the ski resorts are now closed (although the snow base is still 50+ inches), definitely time for a look.

My destination is the Mill D South (or Cardiff Pass) trail. I took this trail a few months back having no information on where it goes and how far it goes, and it was beautiful!! But I turned around after one hour.

Today, I know the details - starting elevation: 7400 ft,  2.5 miles to the mine, 3.5 miles to the Pass - just not sure how far I'll get. That depends how much snow is still around and when it starts looking like rain because it's coming today.

I turn up Big Cottonwood canyon and it's greening up - the trees are leafing out! So pretty and quite a contrast from the "brown" I've been seeing for months. But the further I get up the canyon (and higher in elevation), I'm back to seeing "brown". However, there's no snow, so that's promising.

I pass some of the more popular trail heads and they're pretty empty. Guess if you can't X-country ski or snowshoe, not many people come out. Good for me!

I get to my trailhead -- naturally, it's the TH with the most cars. :(

It's 40 degrees around 9:30am and with no sun out, it's quite cool. Hoping the sun comes out at least for a while.

The ground is snow-free; I have to look up more than 1/2 way up the surrounding mountains to find snow. But then I'm along the canyon road -- should be interesting once I get into the backcountry.

I'm a little surprised to find the yellow blooms of OregonGrape along the start of the road.

With the snow melted, it's an easy walk along the paved road. I get to the dirt road (which is the trail) and continue. Much different looking when its now covered in snow. Kessler Peak to my right look awesome today!

As I get to the split to Donut Falls, snow is appearing near the trail. I cross the creek -- which is flowing slowly - and I hit the snow. This is the uphill climb - no switchbacks - just a steep climb up the side of a mountain following a valley below. The road is surrounded by pine trees so very little sunlight shines here. And it runs alongside a creek.

With all the snow, the creek flows in-n-out of snow tunnels. The sun is starting to peek out now.

The snow is hardpacked but in spots I poke through just over my ankles. I don't see any other footprints just old X-country ski ruts. I must be the 1st person up here in quite some time. The only sign of life on the trail are some coyote tracks (pretty fresh).

I break out into a forest opening. The sun is shining, there's snow around the creek and mist rising off the flowing water.

I'm in and out of the forest and the creek is getting farther below.

At one section of trail, the pines/shrubs are covered in snow/ice (probably from last night's rain) which is slowly melting. I can see water drops hanging from the vegetation.

I continue up the trail.

Soon, I finally break-out of the forest and below me is a snowy valley with the creek running through.

The mountains on the other side and in front are totally snow covered. So quiet, so peaceful, so beautiful.

Soon, the clouds begin rolling in -- I'm a little further up the trail than last time but it's time to turn around. One last view.

Before heading down.

Awesome day! Still not over though, I'm heading up to Silver Lake.

April 24 - Desolation Trail (Millcreek Canyon) - Retry

I'm back again today trying to correct the missed turn from Tuesday's visit. Not as good of a day as Tuesday - today is mostly cloudy around 60 at 9:30am with rain coming this afternoon. The sun is poking out occasionally.

Start the hike and well not much (if any) has changed since Tues (go figure). I find the proper Desolation Trail turn-off instead of heading further down Thayne's Canyon to the other entrance (it's the one I took before). A big rocky cliff is at turn-off covered in green moss and some Glacier Lilies.

Feel confident today, the trail is uphill and has switchbacks as advertised. The grade is pretty gradual. Tons of Glacier Lilies - I've never seen so many.

Just like before, the trail is in both heavily forested (pine) sections and then there are stretches of open.

I'm seeing Spring Beauties and Glacier Lilies along the trail. In some stretches, the Lilies and Spring Beauties are growing together. There are at times a Waterleaf plant or two.

I get the feeling that this trail is leading me to my "confused" turnaround point on Tuesday. I'm hoping I'm wrong. But a few switchbacks later, I reach that turnaround spot. :( Now what?!

I'm definitely missing a turn-off but where??? I decide to continue up the trail I've was on Tues. Worse case, I'll end back at Thayne Canyon.

As I walk, I'm looking for that spur trail but not finding it. Finally, I see a trail up above! Now how do I get there?

I reach Thayne Canyon once again. I look around and over some big rocks is my trail!!! Yea! I will get to the Salt Lake Overlook today.

The trail continues uphill and continues the thick woods or openness. But the thick woods is getting thinner as I get higher. More light is reaching the ground and therefore more green plants. And more Waterleaf.

The open areas have good view north along the canyon. I can see the canyon road below and Grandeur Peak in front of me. Boy, will that look great when the trees leaf-out!

There's more Balsamroot along the trail now and plants in the Parsley Family with tiny yellow flowers.

Purple larkspur is along the trail.

I find one Wallflower with its 4 yellow petals.

I spot these plants with a circular leaf and a tiny white flower near the leaf. It's cute. These are Miner's Lettuce - so named because early settlers ate the leaves and stems.
 

Heading back into the woods, there is a small patch of buttercups.

I have to be on one of the final switchbacks when I finally spot snow along the slope of the trail, just a little patch -- but still snow.

I round the corner and there's a rocky outcropping - and the Salt Lake Overlook. To the south, the higher peaks are snow covered. To the north, is Grandeur Peak.

And to the west, the Salt Lake valley. The clouds are rolling in from the west.

I stop for a quick snack before heading back down.

On the way down, I'm seeing black/brown moths with white dots. They seem to always be around oak trees and there's plenty along the trail.

Not far from the top, I stop to watch 2 bflies swirling in the air. I catch a green flash of color and hope for one to land. The two break away with one landing on the trail. It's a Sheridan's Hairstreak!!

I cruise down the rest of the trail. This is a really pretty trail and will only get better as trees/plants leaf-out. I'll definitely be back!

Good day!

April 21 - Desolation Trail (Millcreek Canyon)

A little after work hike today. Sunny and 75 degrees, why not?

Going to hike the Desolation Trail in Millcreek Canyon. Never been on the trail but it comes with high recommendations from a co-worker.

The trail starts 2.5 miles after the canyon's tollbooth.  It's a 4.8 mile round-tripper with a 1200 ft elevation gain (~6900ft).

Sunny at the very start but the trail is quickly absorbed into a spruce/fir forest. Lots of yellow Glacier Lilies blooming.

Otherwise, pretty bare -- just branches, logs, etc -- very thick forest. Maybe later in the year there will be more vegetation. Also, see/hear a Downy Woodpecker.

I spot a Mourning Cloak pretty close the to beginning and a Hoary Comma.

Just following the trail as it weaves through the forest.

Finally, I start seeing some rocky cliffs and a trail marker indicating Thayne Canyon straight ahead and Desolation Trail to the right. Off I go to the right to start the switchbacks. The trail is curving back north and west but still heading up....for a while and then it flattens out. Wasn't expecting that!

Then the trail begins to follow the curves of the canyon walls and strangely is heading downhill. I can't possibly be on the right trail - I'm supposed to be going up. Maybe I was supposed to take the Thayne Canyon branch --- should've read the trail guide better. Oh well, its a nice hike and better to be outside than in a gym.

In a sunny section now and the Glacier Lilies are past bloom. And a few feet later, back in the shade and around a curve, they are back to blooming again -- the wonders of a very sunny location, moves nature up a few weeks.

Back in that sunny section, there are some yellow flowers blooming -- maybe a species of buckwheat???

I come around another curve and there's a trail heading down (kinda under the trail I was just on) and one heading around and it doesn't look like an "official" trail. I'm confused. But there are Spring Beauties blooming here!!!

I've been walking for 45 minutes now, I'm not sure where to go so I head back the way I came.

Not all is lost, in that sunny section I spot the blue flash of a Spring Azure (first one of the year).

Back on the main trail, I see another Blue and Comma.

And I find the Desolation Trail turn off I missed on the way up. Oops! (I was on an extension coming down from the "top".)

Good day (even though it was shorter than planned).

April 17 - Little Cottonwood Canyon Trail

After one of our lowest snow season's on record,  Mother Nature decide to play a little trick on us Tues/Wed and sent us a huge wind/dust storm followed by a drop in temperature of 40 degrees and ending with the biggest snow storm of winter. I got 8 inches of snow; the mountains got dumped on -- 29-40+ inches.

The snow was melted in my yard by Thurs and the foothills are still melting, I'm heading to the Little Cottonwood Trail today. I'm sure there was at least 10 inches snow laying on the trail a few days ago; I'll see what's still out there.

Get to the trail head around 2:30 -- happily the lower trail head is finally open! Only a couple cars in the lot. Pretty snow-free here but down by the creek, there's snow (less sun). I would be hoping for bflies today but I'm not sure how well they'd survive the snowfall.

The creek is flowing below but only as a little stream.

Not too far from my car, I find one survivor - a male Sara Orangetip fluttering along the edge of the oaks. A little further along, a Painted Lady. And then another Lady.

Its pretty barren along the start of the trail but I finally find some purple Larkspur blooming and Oregongrape in bloom.

A flash of pink from Pink Phlox catches my eye.

I make my way up to the first bridge, last time I was here it was just a pool of water. Today, the creek and the waterfall are flowing. And snow still covers the bridge.

After crossing the bridge I start running into more snow on the trail. Its still mostly clear but there are more patches of snow cover.

The squirrels are sure chattering this afternoon. In fact, I can actually get putting close to them before they scamper away.

I see a Hairy Woodpecker flying around. And a few robins.

Further up, I find a Ladybug - unfortunately she didn't survive the snow. :(

Boy, the creek is really low this year. Last year, the whole creekbed was filled with water, this year, just the center.

Further up, the waterleaf are just starting to bloom.

After the second bridge, I'm walking mostly thru snow now. But there's Solomon's Seal peeking up thru the ground.

I'm below in the upper parking area and find a yellow composite. A bit droopy but still alive. (I seem to remember this plant last year covered in snow.)

I reach the end and the old brick building. And turn to head back down.

I take both of the side trails done to the creek.

And then back to the trail head.

Good day!

April 12 - Mormon Trail

Heading to the Mormon Pioneer Trail today. It's been about a month (Mar 14) since I've last been there a got stopped by snow after a little more than a mile. Time to find out how far I can get today.

Cold front came through last night - unfortunately without any rain falling. When get to the trailhead, it's a bit cool at 40 degrees at 6000 ft. But its sunny so as long as I stay out of the wind, it should be fine.

One other car in the lot when I arrive at 10 am. Should be pretty quiet today.

I make my way thru the little wet woodland near the creek and then out into the sagebrush. Not expecting a lot of bfly action on the way in - too chilly. Or so I think; not more than 50 ft onto the trail, I spot a Mylitta Crescent trying to warm itself in the sun. Actually, that was the only Crescent I saw until my return trip.

The only flowers blooming are the dandelions -- but there are many plants popping up out of the soil.

Lots of birds chirping - mostly robins. Lots of robins.

The creek, well, it's a dry creek bed -- absolutely no water! Maybe there's more water further up the trail. (I hope.)

As I walk up the trail all that snow is now gone. But it still looks like winter - the aspen and cottonwoods do not have buds yet and none of the other trees/shrubs have leafed out yet.

I see a Painted Lady sunning itself.

Soon, the creek starts flowing again; my company for the hike.

I see 2 Yellow Fritillary flowers - the only ones I see on the trip. And a small grouping of purple violets - also the only ones I see.

I hear dog tags clanging ahead and soon see a man with 2 dogs heading back. He says there's snow ahead -- I didn't think it would all be melted -- I'll keep going until I find it. He has another dog back up the trail, he says the dog is hanging behind because he found some elk hide, doesn't want the other dogs to get it. Sure enough a little further up the trail is a large white (wet) dog with a good size piece of elk hide hanging out of his mouth -- kinda cute!

The camp is ahead and snow-free!! I enter the wet meadow and see a Downy/Hairy Woodpecker fly from a pine tree across the meadow. A few seconds later, as I get closer to that pine tree, another Downy/Hairy Woodpecker flies from the same tree -- must have a nest nearby.

Near that pine tree, I find 2 yellow buttercups.

No more buttercups, until I make it to the pond and I find them all the way until I turn around. They must be one of the first plants out after the snow melts and almost 4 weeks ago, this was all under snow!

The pond has melted now -- but nothing on it or flying around it.

I pass the dam which has water behind it but only a trickle of water coming over the dam.

Now the trail is getting wetter and I have my first creek/trail crossing but it's shallow and only a few hops (so much different than last year). And further along, the creek is flowing down the trail. It's obviously muddy in spots and I can see deer tracks (they're kinda small).

I see some Tiger Beetles; they look almost purple. Maybe its the way the sun is hitting him. (I usually see green Tiger Beetles.)

I get to the 2 mile marker and still no snow so I keep going.

I go about 20 minutes further, then I hit snow on the trail. It's only for about 30 ft so I plow through. It's snow-free again for a little while but then I hit the snow again. The only tracks I see in the snow are either elk or moose hoof print. Very deep prints.  I walk in the animal tracks hoping the snow will end. But it doesn't, so I turn around. I got between 2.5 - 3 miles - not too bad.

I find a log along the trail and have lunch before heading back.

On the return trip, I see a Milbert's Tortoiseshell flying.

As I come up on the camp, there's a duck on the pond now.

I'm seeing more Mylitta Crescents flying too. They're all nectaring on dandelions as its the only flower blooming.

And I spot 2 males Sara Orangetips!!!

I find some bones on the trail now that weren't there earlier - part of a rib cage & spine (possibly deer). My guess is one of the dogs found it and the owner wouldn't let them take it home. :)

I'm at the end of the trail and entering that little woodland by the creek and there's a dead moose laying near the trail!! How could I have possibly missed that on my way in -- it's hooves are on the trail! I must have been totally zoned out 3 hours ago or this animal died after I passed. I check it out -- it doesn't stink, only a few flies on it, no animal has chomped on it yet -- I don't think it died that long ago. It's such a beautiful animal - I wanted to see a moose today but not this way --- very sad. :(

Still a nice walk -- just not a good ending.

April 10 - Corner Canyon

Heading to Corner Canyon today to see what's flying (and blooming) in a Wasatch Front's canyon. I've only been to Corner Canyon once - two years ago and it was fun.

It's mostly a hike thru an oak forest, there are forest openings, small creeks and at times, the trail breaks into a larger sagebrush openings. If I stay on the proper trails and end up at the Ghost Falls trailhead, I'll have climbed to 5700ft. The total trip around ~4.5 miles.

I start at the Coyote hollow trailhead (around 10:15) and head towards the Canyon Hollow trail. My plan is to try and re-create the path I was on last time heading around the northside of the canyon first (the sunnier side) and then loop back on the southern side (I'm curious if there will be snow on that shadier side.)

There are a few trails at the start that can make things a little confusing (bike trail the Bonneville Shoreline Trail comes thru here). But I find my way to the first marker the Silcia Pit.

I'm seeing lots of small pink flowers I've been seeing on Antelope Island for quite some time. Sulphers are out flying. I find what has to be a shrew -- it's much larger than a mouse and its grey. As I walk past, it moves into the leaf litter.

The trail is mostly wet - but not really muddy (at least so far). Lots of deer tracks imprinted on the trail.

I see my first Field Crescent of the year. (One of many little orange flyers today.) And then a Painted Lady (lots of them too today).

I know Spring is here when I see a little white bfly with orange wingtips -- a Sara Orangetip -- fluttering around. It lands on a little white flower - it's a male. More Spring arrivals when I start seeing Yellow Glacier Lilies - there's not a lot of them so its probably getting close to the end of their bloom. And then, just starting their bloom -- blue Forget Me Knots. The Creeping OregonGrape is in full yellow bloom.

I take a "No-Outlet" side trail (called Memory Garden) for a little bit. But there is a whole family in the garden so I quickly head out. But I see a Margined White inside.

I find a little patch of a really pretty yellow flower plant. It's called Spurge and although it pretty, it's very invasive and non-native.

They have Spurge removals gatherings along the Foothills. These need to be removed.

I come to a section of trail that is full of blooming Ballhead Waterleaf.

A little further, I finally break-out into a sunny open rocky area. I spot a single pink Phlox growing alongside a rock in the middle of the trail.

And then my only squirrel of the day scrambling up some rocks. The sun didn't last long as I'm back into the forest.

I find the Ghost Falls trail. Ghost Falls was flowing but very quietly. It's a low angle waterfall with the water gliding over a large rock. It's damp in the area and I find Painted Ladies and a Sleepy Duskywing (a Spring flyer).

I have a choice to go back to the Canyon Hollow Trail or head up to the Ghost Falls Trailhead. I'm heading up to the Trailhead; it's at the top of the canyon and if I remember right, I'll get out of the forest for a lengthy of time. So up I go, still in the woods and up several switchbacks.

I pass thru an area that is full of OregonGrape -- there's yellow everywhere.

Around another switchback, I'm back out of the forest and see something that surprises me. A large yellow composite plant -- wasn't expecting that in April. Its leaves are buried under last year's plant stalks but I think it's an Arrowleaf Balsamroot (it does bloom in April). It's the only one I see.

And the views down the canyon (to the west) start opening up. More Painted Ladies and Crescents are flying here.

And finally, I'm at the top of the canyon. I see a Red Paintbrush in bloom, Lupine plants (not blooming yet), and a tall stalk with a ball of yellow flowers.

I pass the picnic shelter and head to the dirt road -- which is closed (as expected) because it's a mud pit. I try to find the less muddy spots to walk because I need the road to take me along the east edge of the canyon and get me to the Brock's Point Trail so I can complete the loop. There's snow on the other side as it faces north and does not get a lot of sun. But the snow is patchy and I'm expecting more mud than snow the rest of the way.

As I make my way along the road, I'm seeing Crescents, Whites. And then I see a very small yellow bfly. It lands on the road and I'm shocked when it's a Dainty Sulpher.

I've seen these guys before in the Midwest but its always in late summer as they migrate from the South. But its here, in Utah, in April, at around 5700 ft in elevation - it just doesn't compute. But it's really here and its very cool!!! The happy surprise of the day so far!

I find the Brock's Point Trail and continue. It parallels the road from beneath. Sometimes in the woods and other times in the open. I'm walking above the forest when I spot a rather large brown/mottled bird in the forest below. It's large but not a turkey -- it's a Dusky Sage Grouse (female)!

My second big surprise of the day -- I've never seen one before. I watch it disappear into the forest below.

The trail goes about a 1/4 mile before it pops into an opening with view point. I believe that's Lone Peak.

Then I continue along on the southern end on the canyon along the Clark's Trail. The rest of the trip in downhill and thru the forest. The vegetation on this side of the canyon is a bit behind the northern side (hey, there's still patches of snow over here). Instead of Waterleaf and Forget Me Knots, I'm seeing Spring Beauties and large patches of Glacier Lilies (some just starting to bloom). Not as many bflies over here either.

Lower down, I start seeing the Forget Me Knots again -- and several Sara Orangetips (they seem to like the nectar).

I'm almost to the end of the trail when I see 2 Duskywings and a Crescent swirling a bout in the air. The Crescent breaks off and leaves the 2 Duskywings swirling. Finally, one of the Duskywing lands; it's a Rocky Mt Duskwing. A Sara Orangetip flies by the Duskywing and lands nearby to nectar.

Fun day!

April 11 - Volunteer Day at Legacy Nature Park (Nature Conservancy Land)

Volunteering with the Nature Conservancy today to plant trees at the Legacy Nature Preserve in North South Lake. The property is managed by the Nature Conservancy and it was created to offset the impacts of the 14 mile highway (Legacy Parkway) completed in 2008.

The preserve is approximately 2100 acres and a wetland with the Jordan River flowing through. And at times, it's a floodplain for the Great Salt Lake. But at the time of its creation, it was pretty much a dumpsite and wasteland of invasive plants. Over the years, many tons of waste have been removed and restoration continues.

Today it is a closed restoration site (i.e., not open to the public) and is becoming a thriving wetland again.

I arrived thinking there'd be between 10-20 volunteers but there was 50-75 people already. They're mostly young people in their 20s from a university class.

We get a quick orientation of the days events (planting trees/native grasses and trash removal) and we head off in a long line of cars to the north end of the preserve. It is pretty bare - not sure what grows here in the summer time but along the river there are plants/trees. I see many Coots, Canadian Geese, Mallards and other bird species.

There is a nesting Bald Eagle pair that we will be passing along the drive. We've been asked to pass quietly and quickly so as not to disturb them. I spot the wooden tower that holds their nest and see a Bald Eagle fly in and perch on the nest. Pretty impressive! As I approach, I manage to snap a quick picture -- such a beautiful bird.

We continue on along the river. The grasses in the middle of the dirt road tickling the underneath of my car. There are small water holes which contain geese and other waterfowl. And I can hear frogs calling - Chorus Frogs!

We finally park and get to today's tasks -- I'm a tree waterer -- dip a bucket in the river and find the newly planted trees.

We got a lot done today in about 2 hours -- hopefully, most of those trees will survive and grow large to provide habitat and nesting spots for more waterfowl and Bald Eagles to make this home.

Great day!