March 7 - Sentry Trail (Pronghorn Day!)

Well, we've just had a brief winter. Mountains got 20+ inches of snow earlier this week; and even the valley got snow - me 3-4inches in a couple of hours on Tuesday!!! Looked so pretty on Wednesday as the foothills and benches were white. That's fading now but still looking good.

But back to Spring - today is supposed to be sunny and mid-50s. Frost last night but the temps will warm quickly.

Heading to Antelope Island today - don't want to mess with the mountains as too many folks will be heading up to enjoy the new snow.

Hiking the Sentry Trail - figure White Rock will be crowded with bikers as it was a few weeks ago.

Crossing the causeway was very brown -- no water, no snow just brown lake beds on both sides. I was almost to the island before I finally found water. And today, there were no ducks in the usual spots. Are they migrating north (seems a bit early) or just seeking cover from the snow/cold?

As I passed the psychedelic bison statue upon entering island, there was a family with their dog (looked like a black lab) by the bison. The dog was terrified of the statue - tail between legs, body hugging the ground -- too funny!! (Poor dog!)

There was at least one bison up above the road behind the Visitor's Center.

And 2 dead jackrabbits in the middle of the road --- good eats for the coyotes (or ravens).

As I turned to head down the road to the Ranch, there was a Chukkar in the middle of the road. He scampered across the street and into the grasses.

Saw another Chukkar on a rock a little further down the road. (Actually heard a lot of them today - but those were the only two I saw.)

I see a single pronghorn standing in the grasses.

Further down, I see some lighter spots and pullover for a look -- there's actually 5 pronghorn laying down enjoying the morning sun. Really hard to see --- just a difference in color caught my eye. None of them seem to have horns -- must be a group of females. They should be having their babies soon.

Other than the pronghorn, I don't see any animals until I'm at the fence line a mile or so before the ranch, there's a good sized herd. There's one bison that the birds really like to rest on -- probably 15-20 birds at one point.

Afterwards, there were a few smaller herds before reaching the ranch.

I get to the Ranch, the dirt road to the Sentry parking is open - yea! (Just a mile less walking which could be a good thing since I'm breaking in new hikers - I hate new hikers.) I pull-in the Ranch parking lot for a quick pit-stop and spot a bird of prey in the trees.

As I drive to the Sentry parking, I spot a herd of bison around Mushroom Springs -- I'm going to have company on the trail this morning :)

As I start down the trail, I see a white butterfly flying. My 1st Spring butterfly of the season (the overwintering ones don't count). It's a Checkered White.

Hearty little guy with the snow and freezing temps we've had recently.

I see another a little further down the trail.

As I get closer to the Springs, there's a few bison to the right of the Springs and the rest of the herd is on a 'ledge' above the Springs. No worries for me. In fact while at the Springs, I can't even see the bison above.

There's a Red-winged blackbird calling from a tree at the Springs.

And there's another White! But this one is a 'lifer' for me -- a Becker's White.

As I'm walking down the trail heading south from the Springs, I notice 2 pronghorns grazing up the hill I soon will be climbing. They don't see me as I approach heading right towards them. I'm interested in how close I can get -- they are pretty skiddish.

As I get closer, I notice the head of another pronghorn. Its on the other side of a little ridge but it's moving the same direction as the other two.

Finally, they see me.

They wait a few seconds and then take off trotting downhill to the west. I lose them behind the little ridge but they eventually come out down by the dirt road. It's a great day for Pronghorn.

Lots of little pink flowers --

same pink flowers from the Split Rock Trail a few weeks ago but now they're blooming on the east side of the island.

Meadowlarks are calling.

And there are Ground Beetles and Tiger Beetles around.

I stop when I hear some howling -- I see a bunch of people below and wonder if they're making the sounds. But nope, definitely coyotes (at least two). They're howling, yipping.... I listen for a couple of minutes before they stop. Such a nice sound.

Nice views up here. Snowy mountains to the east and the inversion layer.

I get to the top and stop to enjoy the view for a little bit before continuing down the ridge behind Sentry Peak.

Lots of the Spring Parsley blooming up here.

With all the Chukkars that I've heard this morning, I thought I'd hear or see them as I went past the peak, but it was quiet.

I do hear and spot a Horned Lark sitting on a rock.

I get across and it's time to head down.

I see a Sulpher flying. I try to get a good look for an ID but no luck. I see another a little further down.

I come across a bunch of fresh animal pellets -- I'm not sure if these were deer or antelope but it was a decent size herd.

Lots of folks coming up the trail now -- can't say I've ever seen this many people on the trail.

I'm back down above Mushroom Springs and get a good look at the bison herd on laying down for an early afternoon rest.

Back at the ranch, I need to stop and check-out the owls. They nest in Feb. Hoping I can find the nesting spot and might get a look at the owlets. The nesting spot was easy to find because they had the area roped off with a person 'guarding' it. I see one of the owls in the trees. The 'guard' says he was told the owls were done nesting but didn't know if they had chicks. With the area roped off, I'm pretty sure they do. Maybe I'll get to see them soon.

Time to head out. That group of pronghorns laying in the grass I saw earlier, they were still there. One standing, the rest still laying down.

I have to slam on my breaks when a jackrabbit hops across the road -- man, they have big ears/big feet.

Great day!

Feb 27 - Cardiff Fork Trail (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

Well, Winter finally returned last week-end with snow and 60 mph east canyon winds. Got around a foot of snow in the mountains and enough to cover the grass down in the valley! Even got snow yesterday both in the valley and in the mountains (3-7 inches).

And lucky for me, today is an off Friday. I've been wanting to hike the Green's Basin Trail in Big Cottonwood for few weeks and that was my plan for today. But with the snow, I'm not sure if I'll be able to find and follow a trail I've never been on before so I'm heading elsewhere.

But its a beautiful morning. Not sunny but its trying to peek out. The Foothills, for the first time in months, are covered with snow. It looks so nice!!

So I'm heading to Little Cottonwood to hike a portion of the Red Pine Lake trail - it's easy to follow even with fresh snow. Well, I was heading to Little Cottonwood but right after passing the entrance to Big Cottonwood, the road became jammed with cars. Not sure if they were heading to the ski resorts in the Little Cottonwood (that would be a HUGE line) or there was an accident ahead but I turned around and am now heading up Big Cottonwood.

Beautiful drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon! The canyon, on both sides, is covered in snow. Not a lot of snow on the south side but at least there's snow!!! Snow covering the rocky slopes, laying nicely on the trees.....and thankfully, none on the road. This is what the end of Feb is supposed to look like up here!

I'm heading to the Spruces Trailhead to hike Green's Basin. A little nervous since I've not been there before and I have to deal with fresh snow (and possibly a hidden trail) but I'll do fine.

Not many cars at the other trailheads so I was really surprised to see numerous cars parked at the Spruces. Not a bad thing - perhaps someone has already cleared the Green Basin Trail for me. But there's a school bus with a bunch of 8-10 years running around. Time for Plan C.

Back in my car to head a mile or 2 back down the canyon. I'm now heading to an area on the north side of the road - across from Mill D - North. Big Cottonwood Creek passes through almost as a wetland (willows and all). In the winter, I've seen lots of parents w/ kids sledding down the small hills and there's a road that leads to a campground. Now sure where the road/trail goes beyond the campground or even if it does, but today I will find out.

As I pull in to park, there's a small group of X-country skiers heading down the road. Looks like I can follow their tracks - perfect! I ask a lady in the car next to mine where the trail heads. She says she's only been on it once to Donut Falls. But it does go farther. (She, like me, was heading to Little Cottonwood this morning.)

So off I go -- no snowshoes, just YakTrax - hoping that's a smart move.

It's so crisp this morning -- probably mid-20s. Just the sounds of the cars going by (and some helicopters -- not sure why all the helis -- maybe its avalanche patrol.) Probably 3-4 inches of new snow here (elevation ~7400 ft).

Since I'm not sure where I'm heading, I give myself an hour before turning back.

At the start, I cross the bridge of the creek, snowy beautiful all around.
To the west:

To the east:

I start up the snow-covered road. There are tire tracks (which are confusing because the road is gated closed), ski tracks and shoe prints. I'm just following along.

Love the snow covered trees, rocks, and hillsides.With the overcast skies and all the snow, it's a day in shades of black-n-white.

 I'm walking under a peak which I later find out is Kessler Peak.

As I follow the road I pass the closed campground and into Private Land where there are houses/cabins. The tire tracks are from the home owners; a few are stay during the winter.

The road ends and I continue along following just ski tracks, going uphill the whole way.

There's another wonderful peak in the distance.

I come to a second trail head -- I think this is probably to Donut Falls but there's no sign (and no fresh prints). I keep on going forward.

The trail curves over some small streams. And now the trail parallels one --- I can't see it but I can hear it gurgling. I'm still mostly in the trees.

Finally, I'm out of the trees and into a large valley between 2 mountains. The stream runs through far below.

There's a lovely peak ahead but it's starting to snow lightly so the visibility is diminishing. I'm almost to "a" top.

I'm closing in on an hour. I think I'm getting closer to the ridge and want to continue but with the snow and uncertainty about the trail, I should trust my gut and start heading back soon.

But the valley is so beautiful....I want to see where it ends. But that could be 1/4 mile or 5 miles, I just don't know. :(

I stop to let a X-country skier by - he tells me the trail heads all the way into Little Cottonwood - just doesn't indicate how far that is. So I guess it's time to start heading back - I'll find the end another day.

The trip down, uneventful and quick.

It's seems colder now, the wind has picked up a little and the views aren't so clear with the snow falling (and probably snow blowing in the wind).

I pass a Dad and his little son not far from the parking. The little boy (probably 3-4 yrs old) is on ski's. Coasting down the trail -- he's doing pretty good. It's nice to see.

Great day! I finally get my hike in fresh snow this winter. :)

After I get home, I find out I was on the Mill D South (or Cardiff Fork Trail). Back in the mid/late 1800s this area was a hot bed for mining. The trail is one of several old mining roads. The Cardiff Mine is at the 2.5 mile marker (1350 ft in elevation change). Another mile (and 1400 ft higher) is Cardiff Pass at10,200 ft. I couldn't tell by the snow cover, but the trail in many places is very rocky or scree (glad there was snow).

Well I know I didn't make it to the 2.5 mile mark -- but next time I will see that old mine.

Feb 15 - Split Rock Trail (Antelope Island)

A little cooler today but still 10 degrees above normal (53) and sunny. Heading to Antelope Island to hike a new trail, the Split Rock Trail. It starts as the White Rock Bay trail (the lower portion along the shoreline) and then instead of curving up the valley, I go straight and up to a ridge above the White Rock Valley. I've been this far when I hiked Elephant Rock last Fall. However, instead of turning right at the top towards Elephant Rock, I stay straight. I think the trail follows the coast and circles around inland but I'll find out soon. Could be good viewing for the island's bighorn sheep as it will be very rocky.

Sun is out; clear as day. When I stop at the park gate I'm shocked to see a sign reading "Campgrounds Full!" - It's the middle of Feb! -- only proves how whackedly warm the temperatures are here.

I'm greeted as I enter the island by 3 bison resting behind the Visitor's Center.

No trip down the east side of the island today as I'm heading directly to the trailhead -- it's a long walk, around 10 miles, time to get going.

There is a small herd of bison just east of the White Rock campground. Good breakfast entertainment for the campers.

The day parking and the horse parking lots are pretty full -- actually never seen them so crowded. But my little parking spot before the gate is free, so I take it.

When I get out of my car, I am greeted by the melodious song of the Western Meadowlark. Boy is he belting out his song! Yellow breast puffed out! Sounds wonderful!

It's still cool out, barely 40, with a cool breeze -- still need my gloves to keep the fingers warm.

There are a few bison in the meadow but I'm heading counter-clockwise so I don't have to deal with them.

I can see green grasses along the trail -- Spring is definitely here. A little further a long, I see a few small pink flowers - but just a few.

It's so clear out, it's going to be spectacular when I get up high - I can't wait.

There are 3 bison in the White Rock Bay valley.

It's pretty quiet other than the songs of more Meadowlarks and the blowing breeze.

Time to head up to the ridge -- what great view of the White Rock valley and the surrounding area!

The trail to Elephant Rock is to my right, I'm heading straight - into new very rocky territory. A few feet after the Elephant Rock trail, there is another trail to the right which heads down a valley towards the beach and beneath Elephant Rock. I'm not sure but this could be my return trail -- but I thought this was a loop within the island interior. I'll find out in a few hours.

The trail, which was a dirt road, is now a single track. There's signs that bison have been here not too long ago. But they are long gone.

The trail's views are unbelievable. I can see down the western side of the island to the north and south. I can see the mountains across the lake, the beach below and rocks (big rocks) everywhere! The trail follows the curves of the island, in and out and in and out.

I keep looking for Bighorns but nothing. I hear lots of Chukkars but when I get close, they stop calling. Once I pass, they're calling again. I can't believe I can't find one.

I spot a lizard scampering across the trail.

I come up on a Park Sign and fence made of rocks -- it's actually an old horse corral.

The sign says that settlers brought the horses to the island in the mid-1800s. These horses, partly because of their adaptability to the ruggedness of the island, were prized by cowboys, soldiers, etc. It is said that the horses were very "attached" to the island and when taken away would swim back to their island home. Unfortunately, they were exterminated from the island in the late 1800s by sheep ranchers.

I keep heading west above the coast. I just love the views.

I'm seeing lots of Ground Beetles - black, big round body.

They are everywhere on the trail - must be the warmer micro-climate (full sun, rocks retaining the heat....)

The southward walk down the west side is ending, time for the switchbacks down towards the beach. Now I can easily see the wonderful views northward!! (Towards Elephant Head and White Rock Bay). Just before I get to a hairpin switchback turn, I spot some Spring Wildflowers: the bright yellow Spring Parsley and those pink flowers again.

I finally get down and can see up to where I was walking.

Now it's just a walk towards Elephant Head

and then up a long incline to the top of the ridge.

Great views (and lots of people and horses)

On the walk back, I come across the 3 bison in White Rock valley. They've moved a little. As I approach, I notice one bison break away from the other two and walking in my direction. They are all 100 yards or so off trail so I'm not too concerned. But he is walking in my direction. Fortunately, he only had an itch and walked to a rock to scratch it.

Further along, the other group of bison are about 20-30 feet from the trail. They are just laying down. I thought it would easy going after a couple bikes and two horses pass in front of them without issue. But I was wrong. As I get nearer, one bison stands up and looks my way. Then he starts walking towards the trail. So I go off trail part way down the hill. He's still watching me and another bison stands up. I make it passed them and back to the trail. After walking a little bit further, I turn around only to watch both of them lay right back down. They were just playing games with me :)

Time to go home!

As I am coming up to the causeway, the 3 bison are still there. One is walking down to the road. I spot to watch and he does cross. He's heading for his psychedelic friend.

Great day as always! (The Split Rock Trail is by far, my favorite trail on the island!!)

Feb 13 - Dog Lake (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

Heading into the mountains for some snow (hopefully). Hiking to Dog Lake from Big Cottonwood Canyon - Spruces Campground is the winter trailhead.

Supposed to be another sunny day in the upper 50s; so heading into the mountains, it should be in the 40s. The trailhead is at an elevation of 7500 ft and the lake 8,700 ft. I will be at the lake in 2.7 miles.

It just barely 40 degrees when I get there - and happily very few cars in the parking lot - all the cars I saw were heading to the ski resorts. No snow in the parking lot - so I'm wondering how much snow will actually be on the trail. I'm figuring it will be all hard packed so I only have my YakTraks to give me extra grip.

I head off across the road and up and muddy embankment -- usually this is a bank of snow (not this year).

The trail here is really a road to some summer cabins. Its a mix of clear pavement and packed snow so the YakTrak go on. Pretty easy uphill thru the Douglas Fir.

The mountains across the street are snowy and look great this morning. I should get a better look further up the trail.

I finally get to the "real" trail and it starts to open up. I'm in between two hills (a little valley). Lots of naked aspen trees around. The hills across from me have very little snow (more sun exposure) but I'm surrounded by snow.

It's nice and peaceful. (Not even the sound of a bird chirping.)

The trail winds up the valley.

I spot an old bird's nest nestled in a small tree.

As I get higher, I get unobstructed views of the mountains behind me. Not a bad view.

I finally get to the stream. Most of it is covered in snow but it does peek out in spots. I can hear it gurgling.

I get to a fork in the trail. To the left is Dog Lake, to the right Desolation Lake. I've been to Desolation Lake this summer but never Dog Lake. I'm heading left and its a steep climb. The trail is still hard packed but it has more snow, probably from people kicking it up on the way down.

I finally get to the top and can see the snow covered lake. I was hoping there would be a nice mountain behind the lake but just lots of trees and a little hill.

There was a trail heading left around the lake and I took it. It headed up to a large opening and a peak. Reynolds Peak to be exact. Very cool!! I can see the ski prints of backcountry skiers coming down the peak.

Not a lot of people have been up here recently. I'm walking in sporadic footprints/snowshoe prints. I followed along for a little bit -- ended up over my knees in snow at times -- as it headed around the lake. But I stopped because I just didn't know where I was heading. Actually had a better view of the lake from here.

Time to head back -- and it's all downhill!!!!!

And those mountains at the start of the trail -- even more impressive now!

Great day!

Feb 8 - Grandeur Peak

Keeping reminding myself it's only Feb but with near record temperatures for Dec, Jan, Feb, it's more like mid-May.

Heading to the Grandeur Peak trail up Millcreek Canyon. It's south facing so even though there's not much snow in the foothills, a southern exposure will help make that a reality the higher I climb.

Beautiful morning. Sunny, clear and no inversion (too warm).

As expected, there's no snow at the entrance of the canyon and for the first 2.5 miles to the off road parking (other than in some shady spots). Even Mill Creek is flowing freely -- not a remnant of ice.

Although this is great weather to break the winter blues -- it's horrible for our water supply (the ski resorts) and nature - my crocuses are blooming and daffodils are popping up out of the ground. This will not be good if this parked high pressure system ever moves (and it really needs to). But in the meantime, time to enjoy it!

It's in the mid-40s as I make my way along the winding road thru the Church Fork picnic area. (Supposed to be another day in the 60s.) Can't drive to the trailhead in the winter -- the area is closed; makes the hike a little longer. There are pockets of snow here -- not a lot of sunlight reaches the area.

My goal is the first saddle which is about 2.4 miles and 1400ft in elevation to 7600ft. But if the trail is clear, I just might continue up.

I'm looking for signs of Spring today, plants emerging from the ground, buds on trees, insects, butterflies.... I'm thinking I'll see some of the overwintering bflies (Mourning Cloak, Milbert's Tortoiseshell and Commas).

The waterfalls are flowing -- which it were colder, I'd love to see them frozen.

The trail is a mix of dry, wet and hard pack snow. The snow is actually not too slippery - lots of dirt of other hikers to give traction. But I did slip on some of the more steeper sections. The hard pack should disappear as the trail reaches the sunny portions.

No signs of Spring that I can see in this forested area.

As I emerge from the forest, I start the switchbacks thru Scrub Oaks -- lots of naked Scrub Oak.

And of course, the wonderful of snowy (yes, snowy) peaks.

I do see some spiders hopping a bout.

As I climb, the views are more beautiful.

I can finally see the final legs of the trail and I can see they head thru snow as the trail curves from the full sun exposure.

I cross thru the rocky section -- it may be warm but not warm enough to worry about rattlesnakes on the rocks today. (thank-you).

I finally reach some hard pack along the trail. Actually hard to walk -- not because it's slippery but it covers only part of the trail so one foot is on a hill of snow and the other on ground. But more snow ahead.

As I make it to the 1st saddle, two guys were coming down from the peak. Said it was getting slippery with the warming temps. Guess I'm not going up (which wasn't the plan anyway).

I take a few steps to look west and Wow! the Salt Lake Valley is so clear!! I can see the Oquirrhs Mts, the Great Salt Lake,

I head to the right up a little hill for the full 360 view --- what a gorgeous day!!

To the northwest:

To the northeast:

To the southeast (with Grandeur Peak):

To the southwest (with Grandeur Peak):

I stay for just a bit before heading down.

Lots of folks heading up now -- it's going to be crowded up there.

On the way, I see a Mourning Cloak flying above the oak leaves.

Not far from the trailhead, I see a Milbert's Tortoiseshell and I see another by the waterfall.

Great day!

Jan 25 - Antelope Island (South End Trail)

I'm heading back to Antelope Island to walk the South End Trail in hopes of seeing big herds of Pronghorn. The guide from yesterday said that was, at times, possible. Hopefully, I'll get lucky.

Its supposed to be a sunny day (they said that yesterday too) and near 50 - I'm sure it will be a little cooler on the island as it usually is. And a sunny day is needed; the South End Trail is 5 miles down the east side of the island to the southern tip - called Unicorn Point (and then its the walk back - 10 miles total). So its a long day in uncharted waters for me as I've never taken this trail before.

It is sunny this morning and as I cross the causeway, 2 of those bird of prey are flying.

As I start heading down towards the Ranch, there are 2 bison laying and watching the cars go by.

The bison herds are again far away close to the mountains. I see 2 larger herds.

I start the trail around 11am. Hoping to get to island tip by 1pm but that will depend if there are any hills to climb -- I'm thinking it'll be pretty flat.

And I'm correct. The trail follows an old dirt road down the coast. Look east and there's Farmington Bay (more mud flats than water) and to the west, mountains. In between, sagebrush, several natural springs (this is where most of trees are -- and the birds; lots of birds singing. They must think its Spring but unfortunately, its only the end of January.)

Going thru one of the tree'd areas, I spot a coyote crossing the road heading west. He spots me, pauses and continues trotting along. I look to the east and see the other part of the pair. She's much more cautious and it takes her awhile to cross the road. In fact, the mate is a good 200-300 yards away before she crosses.

Once she does, I watch for a while and then continue on and let them enjoy their wide open space.

I see hoof prints (antelope or deer) in the dirt along with horse and bison. Not a lot of fresh bison scat around --- it's been a while since they been down this direction.

I pass one really large "wetland" -- definitely a spring here.

It's about here when I have to step off the trail for a car. Not sure why there is a car coming; the road closed. But they stop -- trail patrol; they're taking the easy way down to the island tip. :)

Lots of little birds flying -- no other animals though.

I kinda think the landscape is a little creepy with the leaf-less trees -- pretty but creepy.

I know I've been walking for over an hour --- I've got to be getting close (and running out of time to find some Pronghorn). That would be bummer.

I stop at an icy puddle for a look, when I look up in the distance - Pronghorn!!! They are far in the distance climbing up a mountain. I count around 19 of them. They are spooked. Some run for a bit while other are grazing and walking. They are looking my way.

I take a seat on the ground to watch. Some of them have horns and others do not (only 40% of females have horns). Up, up they go to a peak called Molly's Nipple.

I continue down the trail. Not much water around here.

I can see the old southern causeway which was used to haul material when I-80 to Nevada was being built. Unused now.

I finally make it to the southern tip. Lots of wetland vegetation.

Very hazy but I can still see the mountains to the south (barely).

The trail curves to the southwest tip. I find the trail patrol car here but no people.

I find a good rock and have lunch. Nice view up the west side of the island from here.

Before I leave, I go to look at some of the rocks. They are metamorphic rocks called Gneiss -- they are 1.7 billion years old.

Time to head back.

I spot a bird of prey flying. (I think it's a Cooper's Hawk.)

I get to the spot where I saw the Pronghorn earlier. I notice a curved form on the mountain -- it would be a strangely shaped rock -- and take a look. It's the Pronghorns. They are on a terrace -- most are laying down but one is standing (the odd shape). I can only see little heads looking down on me.

It's a long way back. The trail patrol car comes along and I talk to them. They were hiking up the west side -- saw some Bighorn Sheep. They offer me a ride back -- it's only about 2 miles so I decline. (I really should've taken the ride - blisters!)

But I make it back -- I didn't see 100 pronghorn but 19 are better than nothing.

Good day!