July 3 - Lofty Lake Loop (Uintas)

My goal for my second day in the Uintas is completing yet another hike on my "must-do" list: Lofty Lake Loop. I tried last July and turned back on the last set of exposed switchbacks - it was too windy for my liking.

Today, I'm starting in the other direction (counter-clockwise) just for a change of pace. It's shorter (only 1.5 miles) to the lake and I've read the elevation is better spread out over the distance. I'll just have to see.

I head out from Evanston WY just before 7:30. Sunny morning and around 55 degrees. Passing through miles of hay meadows filled with cattle. Love this type of country!

I spot a hawk perched on a tall pole overlooking the meadows.

And in the middle of a field of cattle, a lone Sandhill Crane.

A little further down the road, I see 2 more Sandhills - beautiful birds

As I gain in elevation (and nearing to my destination), I'm seeing many Marmots crossing the road. Not sure why they're all crossing to the same side of the road - a morning migration???

One barely lives to see the rest of the day as he crosses right in front of a pick-up. He stops just before the tire whizzes by. And then finishes the crossing once the car passes. Whew!

Further along, I spot a deer as he drops down the hill and out of sight.

I get to the Pass Lake trail head turnoff. It's just before 8am, I'm hoping there's parking (it is the holiday week-end, campsites are sold-out, hotels are full in Evanston....) and to my pleasant surprise, there's only a few cars. :)

Time to start this adventure - in the clockwise direction - 1.5 miles and in 700 ft elevation to the lake at sitting at 10,700ft.

Traveling through a pine forest. The trail is a mix of a dirt trail and a rocky one. Can't stop for too long as the mosquitoes are out. They're not horrible but they are there.

A few little stream crossings to add to the adventure.

Seeing the same flowers I saw yesterday around Mirror Lake.

I first pass Pictuesque Lake.

I spot a chipmunk glowing in the sunlight.

And then the larger Scout Lake - looks serene in the morning light.

This lake is used by the Steiner Camp (boy scout). The scouts are very enthusiastic this morning in their loud responses to commands.

I see a large dragonfly resting on some pine branches.

I can finally start seeing some rocky peaks to my left as the canopy starts to open. And then I start heading toward them -- a rocky uphill stretch.

Looks like prime habitat to Magdaline Alpines - I'm looking for them but it's still early.

I do spot a Riding's Satyr. (Saw a couple of them yesterday.) And the little flyer I think is a 2-banded Skipper but it just won't land.

I spot a Parry's Primrose. Very pretty flower.

The views are so nice.

I climb higher until, finally, I get my first peek at Lofty Lake!!

I love the mosaic mountain on the far side of the lake.

I make my way down to the lake -- Glacier Lilies, buttercups, shooting stars in the meadow (very early in this summer's flower progression).

Surprisingly, I have the lake all to myself!

I make my way along the lake to the far end -- enjoying the views.

I make a left at the far end (I just want a view of the entire lake from the other side) and I find yet another little lake!

And there's a marmot running around there.

Time to continue on and make my way to that exposed switchback.

I just start down when I scare up at Magdelina Alpine sunning itself on the rocks.

The views are incredible as I head down the switchbacks!!

Heading down, I spot a hummingbird nectaring.

And that tiny butterfly again -- but it's not a butterfly but a pretty and colorful moth. (I've seen this one before up at Catherine's Lake in Big Cottonwood Canyon.)

I make it down the switchbacks and continue downhill towards Kamas Lake.

I pass through some meadows - no butterflies yet. :(

I get to Kamas Lake. The trail heads behind the dam.

Down, down I go.

I pass by three small lakes/ponds and then I'm on the last stretch along Reid's meadow (a beautiful, large wet meadow).

Lots of tiny
stream crossings along the way alongside Reid's Meadow and the wonderful views of Bald and Reid's Peak.

I spot a Milbert's Tortoiseshell and Grizzled Skipper.

What a wonderful hike - would love to do it again (and maybe get to a least the top of that mosaic hill by Lofty Lake).

My initial plan this morning was to head to Murdock Mt and do some butterflying but it's just too early in the season. Time to head home. Great little two day holiday!!!

July 2 - Christmas Meadow and Mirror Lake (Uintas - continued)

After lunch, I head to Christmas Meadows.

I park in the same place we parked last year and went into the sagebrush meadow.

I see Melissa Blues, Blue Coppers

and Ringlets flying.

I head into the Lodgepole Pines (where the Juttas are supposed to hang) but can't seem to scare up anything.

It's very dry here -- last summer, there were puddles to look at and much more flying.

On the way back to my car, I see two Draco Skippers.

I get back to my car and drive a little further up the road and stop when I see a big puddle that I need to check out.

Not much but a couple of Melissa Blue and a Western Tailed Blue.

I do find a Mormon Fritillary in a nearby meadow.

I'm done here -- it's only 2pm, time to head back up towards Bald Mt stopping at the Highline Trail. There's a small pond with Mt Agazzi in the background - maybe there's something flying there.

Nothing but Marsh Marigolds, Bistort, Paintbrush, Elephantheads and Shooting Stars (and some other flowers). I do see one bright orange butterfly but I lost it. Where are the butterflies? (I thought with the warm weather we've had they'd be out by now.)

It's not quite 3pm, let's try Mirror Lake. It's really a really popular spot - hoping there's parking. And there is :)

Just looping the lake -- very wet trail (as normal), lots of Marsh Marigold, orchids and Shooting Star here.

I see a new plant for the year - Lousewort.

Many people fishing and kayaking on the lake.

I get a good look at Bald Mt which I conquered earlier today :)

Now I can head for "home for the night" in Evanston.

Awesome day!!!

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.

June 28 - Silver Lake and Willow Lake (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

Supposed to be over 100 degrees in SLC today. Heading into the mountains to hike to Twin Lake Pass via Twin Lakes.

Get to Silver Lake parking around 9am. It's already 67 degrees at 8700ft. Doesn't sound hot, but with the sun beating on, I'm sweating just putting on my hikers. (Talked to a man who camped with his family nearby -- he too said it was hot.)

I head out to Silver Lake. Very green and lots of wetland now as the lake has receded. Still looking pretty though.

I go right around the lake to the Twin Lakes trail head. Very pretty purple penstemon flowers in the wetland.

And I see some trout in the lake.

I get to the trail head and there's a sign. And it unfortunately says that the trail to Twin Lakes Pass and the trail above Lake Solitude are closed for reconstruction. Darn! That's the loop I was planning on today. Oh well!

As I try to think of a plan B, I head around the rest of the lake.

I see 3 female mallards --- where are the baby ducks??

And in another wet area, the Elephanthead and White Bog Orchids are in bloom!

Blue damselflies are flying. I think this is a Taiga Bluet - male.

As I complete the loop and am almost back to the Visitor's Center, I see a doe come out of the shrubs across the meadow from me, step on the boardwalk and head back into the shrubs as there was a person heading toward the doe. He never saw the deer. I waited, hoping the deer would come out again but nothing.

Well that was nice, what's next... Plan B: I'm heading to Willow Lakes. I haven't been there in weeks, it's a short hike and it's on my way back down the canyon.

I get to the trail head -- as a group of 6 with a small kid were starting. They let me go ahead (which was nice) but I quickly let them ahead --- I don't like feeling rushed with people behind me -- and they were talking. Letting them go ahead, let's me stay far behind the noise. :)

Boy is the area quite lush now. The aspens are leafed out and the forest floor is filled with plants. Gernaniums are the dominant flower.

There are also roses, bluebells, many yellow composites and Cow Parsnip in the aspen grove.

The vegetation is so thick now, I can barely see the ski resorts behind me.

I do pass the group later on the trail -- the little boy wanted out for a walk :)

As I exit the forest into the meadow, boy does it look different! The bare mountains are green with leaves, the meadow is full of plants and flowers, the little pond is totally gone. But there still are ground squirrels running around - though they are much harder to see now.

I pass the pond area and head to Willow Lake.

I pass thru a narrow forested area filled with geraniums, bluebells, tall Jacob's Ladder, ....

I stop at the near side for a quick look.

The lake is lower than before and there are lots of damselflies and dragonflies flying. I think I'm seeing Familiar Blues. Including mated pairs.

There are also female damelflies of another species of blue -- they don't really fly, it's almost a flutter (weak flyers).

I head around to the left, I continue to pass thru flowers and come to a little stream crossing with lots of mud. There is a Weidenmeyer's Admiral,

Mexican Cloudywing, Boisduval's Blue and some Western Tailed Blue puddling.

I pop out and the sea of flowers continues -- mostly Tall Jacob's Ladder and Geraniums but there are others as I get into a drier habitat.

I cross and head around the lake.

There are 5 mallards (females again -- looks like the males flew the coup) in the water. And the flowers on these side are stunning.

And with flowers, there are a few butterflies: Checkered Whites, Mylitta Crescent and Northern Checkerspot (bright vivid orange). In the puddles, are WTB and Boisduval's and Cloudywings. I spot to Skippers but they don't stay still long enough for an ID. And I can't forget the Common Ringlets!

I finally get a good view of the ski resort from the far side.

I head down the trail to head around the lake. I love this part of the trail. It's through an aspen grove and the plants are overgrowing the trail -- I love to feel the plants on my legs and letting my feet find the trail and not my eyes - awesome!

There are Mustard Whites flying in the forest.

I get back to the near side -- tons of blue damselflies. And a whole area filled with buttercups. Talk about a splash of yellow!

There are White Columbine and Green Gentian between the lake and aspen grove.

I come out back at the top of the meadow. And continue along the trail back to the lake.

I see a Western Swallowtail is nectaring on some penstemon.

I arrive back to the lake and walk the near side. I find some wetland plants. One is probably in the buttercup family.

And the other looks like a ground hugging hairy Monkeyflower - if one exists.

Time to head home.

I see two Clodius Parnassian flying in the aspen groves.

Great day!

June 26 - Cecret Lake (and Saddle)

Heading to Secret Lake today in the Albion Basin (which is past the end of road in Little Cottonwood Canyon). The road ends at the town of Alta (aka Alta Ski Resort). The only way I've ever gotten into the basin is driving a dirt summer road to a couple of parking areas and started my hiking there.

Unfortunately, the summer road is not yet open -- it opens on July 1. While looking for the opening date, I found out that I can actually start my hike from Albion base parking at the ski resort. The hike is through mountains meadows that look spectacular when the flower blooms are at their peak.

I'm excited for the new trail -- even though the flowers are several weeks away from their peak.

I start around 8am. The trail (for the most part) is a ski cat dirt road. The trail starts around 8800ft -- it's in the shade and very cool. Which is nice because I'm going uphill at total of 1500 ft to get to the lake at 9920. (2.25 miles one way)

Lots of green plants on both sides of the trail. The flowers in bloom are the "usuals" - bluebells, Forget-me-knots, strawberries, wallflowers, geraniums (white and pink), penstemon and Red Paintbrush (it's becoming more common now). And I can't forget the Columbine!

This is prime moose habitat so I'm keeping my eyes open and scanning.

This is an interpretive trail so there are little stopping points showing/explaining native wildlife, etc.

Peaceful walk with birds chirping and water running down streams.

No snow so far but it may be coming further along.

I pass thru one very tiny wetland area and the Shooting Stars are blooming.

I finally make it out of the wooded section into the sunlight and the "basin". Very green and no snow to be seen - well, there are some patches higher in the mountains. Devil's Castle is ahead of me (a 10900 ft peak) and will get closer as I approach Cecret Lake.

I finally get the Cecret Ski Lift at 9260ft but continue past. I'm out of the meadow and into a forested section. There's a stream running next to the trail. And some Marsh Marigolds -- these look a little past bloom.

I arrive at the next lift - this ends the "Upper Albion Meadows Trail" w/ 1100ft gained. And starts the 3/4 mile trail to Cecret Lake. (Much easier when the road is open and I can see the closed trail head parking.)

Still following creeks and crossing through wets spots. I see buttercups and Spring Beauties.

The trail once again opens up to wonderful views of Devils Castle

which I get to look at the rest of the way to the lake.

Have to cross two creeks - one on logs and one on rocks -- nothing big or deep though.One of those creeks has many Marsh Marigolds growing around it.

And one patch of snow to get around too.

Now starts the rocky climb to the lake.

I can see a waterfall flowing out of Cecret Lake in the distance.

And Devil's Castle is only bigger.

I get up the rocky trail and arrive at a stunning lake.

I circle around to the far side enjoying the views (of Devil's Castle).

The water is calm and I can see fish in the water. Actually, they look a little funny for fish....they're actually immature salamanders (Tiger Salamanders)!!

I'm feeling good so I decided to follow a trail that goes above the lake to the saddle. I'm not sure of the elevation change but it's up and rocky. But extremely pretty.

The lake is getting smaller and smaller.

Lots of flowers blooming on the rocks --- the summer show here has started!

I spot a Two Banded Skipper and then another.

I finally get to the saddle.

There's snow up here! (I'm above 10K ft now.)

I follow a tiny stream west through some just melted areas.

And come across a profusion of Marsh Marigolds -- spectacular!!

And I'm under a ski lift again.

I should turn back but my curiosity is up (and it's barely 9:30). I know if I follow the trail it will take me to a road which will take me to Germania Pass -- not on my plan today but definitely in my plans for the future.

There are some White butterflies flying -- they won't stop long enough for an ID.

I decide to follow the road for a bit before deciding to turn around (probably not far from the pass, but gives me incentive to come back .... and see more flowers).

Stop at one of the snowy gullies.

And the views are better heading back to Cecret Lake.

Heading back down the trail to the lake and spot a Yellow-belled Marmot running along the rocks.
He's definitely on the move.

Lovely day!