Sept 29 - Red Pine Lake (again)

I tried this trail back in June and got stopped by ice (and deep snow) -- time to try it again before there's too much snow on the ground.

Today is a bit warmer. Its sunny. As I drive to Little Cottonwood canyon, the view west of the Oquirrh Mts is a little less impressive than yesterday as the sun did a fair bit of melting already.

There is definitely more snow in the Little Cottonwood Canyon so today could be interesting.

I get to the trailhead around 8:45. During the summer, I'd be parked on the road but today, there are plenty of spots in the lot. Its around 40 degrees. Looks like its going to be a great day when the sun gets high enough.

Its about a mile to a little stream and the turn off for the White Pine Lake trail. In spots its snow packed, in other icy, and in other clear - a mixed bag today. The little stream is pretty with the snow. The sumac in full orange/red fall colors (and with red berries) looks pretty cool as well.

I cross the icy foot bridge across the stream and head into the woods.

Lots of squirrels running around today and they are making quite a racket as I pass them by.

The trail heads around and up a mountain so its sunny in spots and shady in others. In the sun, the snow and colorful trees are pretty.

Looking out and down the canyon, I can see the snowy Oquirrhs and the colorful mts of the canyon.

But the sun turns to clouds and the wind is picking up. I'm hot from the climbing but getting cold from the wind.

I finally come to the downhill flowing stream and I know I'm close to my turnaround point on my last trip. I'm hoping its not my turnaround point today.

When I finally get there, its pretty windy and I'm getting cold. Two guys coming down tell me the trail is very icy and the wind is blowing really hard at the lake. I want to go on but I know I'll turn into a popsicle at the lake (wind, no sun) even with my extra clothes in my pack so.....yet again, I turn around and head back down. (Someday I'll actually get up this thing).

Of course the sun comes back out as I'm heading down. And a lot of the ice on the trail is melting. Maybe it is doesn't snow this week the trail will be clearer so I can finally make it to the lake. :)

I see a Mourning Cloak sunbathing on the trail.

I'm almost back and see a Hoary Comma (looks pretty fresh) basking in the sunlight.

When I get back to my car, I head up to the Alta and Snowbird Ski resorts for the views. Definitely can't complain.

 

Good day.

Sept 28 - Soltitude and Lake Mary - (Snow day!!!!)

Its been snowing here in the upper elevations. Got a short glimpse of the snow on Thurs when the clouds open just briefly to see one of the snowy high peaks of the Wasatch Front. More snow was predicted Thurs night into Friday morning. I was excited because I have Friday off -- hoping to get up there a play a little.

But Friday morning, it didn't look like it would clear and in fact when I checked the weather at the Brighton Ski Resort (up Big Cottonwood Canyon), there was a Winter Storm Advisory from noon to 6pm on Friday -- that nixed the hiking on Friday (and it did start to rain in SLC around noon). So I did the next big exciting thing - paint! :)

Sat is supposed to be clear and sunny....

And that it is. Sunny but chilly morning (there's frost on the ground). I check the weather at Brighton and its 21 (brrrrrrrr) but sunny. Time to play in the 1st snowfall of the season!! My rookie adventure into the 1st mountain snowfall of the year.

As I drive down 215 along the foothills, the Oquirrh mountains to the west look stunning with the snow and the rising sun hitting them. I do see snow in the Wastach mts and that's where I'm heading.

Honestly not sure what to expect, how much snow, when will I run into the snow in the Big Cottonwood canyon, how far will I be able to hike so it all just a learning experience for me -- and I'm soooo looking forward to this.

I turn into the canyon. Hard to see with the sun in my eyes. No snow on the ground. But I can see snow with every glimpse of higher peaks. The higher up I go, the closer I'm getting to the snow. There's actually not a lot of cars this morning - not sure why but its OK with me.

Around the 8 mile mark, there's snow in the trees. At the 9 mile mark, its on the ground. Not sticking to the roads though (which is good). And it only looks like a couple of inches.

After 17miles, I make it to the Solitude Nordic Center (basically the end of the road --- just around the corner is Brighton and then the road circles back down the canyon). There's only 4 cars in the parking area at around 8:30 -- there's ALOT of people missing a stunning landscape this morning!!!

Its about 27 degrees - I'm prepared with ski cap, gloves, new "hopefully" warm socks, long underwear shirt, overshirt, fleece, a light winter coat -- I sure better be warm!

I come around the snowshoe/x-cross ski building (its still closed) and the view is amazing! Two mts covered in snow, a very frosty meadow, and aspen and pine trees with boughs filled with snow. (Can't forget that some of the trees are turning colors.)

The plants in the meadow still have a very hard frost on them - they look like they may break if I touch them.

The tree leaves have frosty edges as well --- they really look cool. (No pun intended.)

I start counterclockwise around the loop. Just enjoying the views.

The snow was pretty interesting. There were flakes (kinda like scales - actually they looked like little ferns) standing up from the snow -- not sure if this was "frost". There were also these little tiny balls of snow - not just in one place but everywhere. They too had the frosty flakes and were quite fascinating.

As I rounded the pond, the sun was melting a lot of the frost so coming early was very smart. I get to the far side of the pond and there's a tree trunk covered in snow with 3 ducks sleeping on it - and a few in the water. One of the sleeping ducks seems to have awaken with a stretch.

What a great start to the morning....Onward to Lake Mary before the snow melts. (Just a very short drive around the corner to the trailhead --- ski slope.)

Still only 6 cars in the parking area. I start my uphill climb. The trail is visible as many people have made a nice path thru the snow. There is still snow in the trees but its melting - I can hear the dripping as well as the falling of clumps of snow; I also felt quite a few falling clumps of snow as they hit my arm, head.....

Love the snow on the rocks, trees, etc.

My first stop is Dog Lake -- its nicely tucked into a little "valley" with a mountain on its south end -- should look great -- I'm hoping people have already broken the trail. And yes! People have already been there so I just follow the tracks to the northern end of the lake.

Then I follow a single track thru the 4-5 inches of snow to try and get a bit closer. So beautiful and fresh.

I make my way back out and head to Lake Mary.
And wow!!

 





I
I want to continue to Catherine Lake but I'm really hungry and I forgot to bring a snack. I'm also a bit nervous because in order to get around Lake Mary there are some ledges that I really don't like climbing when its dry and today its icy. And I don't have my YakTrax to give me some traction.

I think I'll listen to my instincts (and my stomach) and call it a day.

On my way back down, many more people heading up. The fall colors are also showing because the sun is now higher in the sky.

What an amazing and fun day (I felt like a little kid in a candy store)!!!

For more photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/whalerider33/sets/72157636030988295/

Sept 20 - Mormon Pioneer Trail

Such a nice day today (upper 70s), I thought a short hike would beat a stuffy gym so I went after work to Mormon Pioneer Trail. This was a tough decision because although I'd hit the trail at 3:30, I have to deal with the sun setting. I thought about Lamb's Canyon but that would be in the shade as the sun (although not set) would still behind the mt -- same issue for Summit Peak. That left Little Cottonwood (which would be in the shade but there are a lot of folks on that trail) OR the Pioneer Trail. I chose the Pioneer trail as its more interesting.

The aspen are changing - not the fall yellow yet but getting there. Probably next week-end they might peak (due to cooler weather). Would have stopped my car for a picture of the trees, river, valley but I was looking west (into the sun).

Got to the trailhead and there were a few cars (I was surprised). And just starting the trail I was greeted by a Satyr Comma -- all bright orange and fresh looking. Not a surprise to see it as they overwinter as an adult so they'll be out as long as its warm enough.

I hoping to see a moose tonight  -- I know their here and with it being dusk, I think I have a good chance (I just don't want one sneaking up on me.) I'm also fearful of seeing a cougar but I guess its better to see the cougar then have one running up behind me.

Majority of the flowers are now gone -- just a few asters and yellow flowers but not many.

Goal today is just 3 miles (of the 4.5) and then back, that should get me back to my car by 6pm before the mt shadows take over (I hope).

The wind is blowing, I can hear the leaves rustling (and see them falling). Kinda odd to be making progress on the trail -- instead of stopping constantly for bflys (I'm not complaining - I like the bflys ALOT).

I get to the little pond --- there are still blue dragonflies flying about. I see a butterfly fluttering near the ground. It looks like a faded and beaten CO Hairstreak - I saw a flash of blue when it opened its wings. It was flying maybe 1-2ft just along the ground and then landing. And not in a position to get confirmation of the ID. So I picked the little guy up and yes CO Hairstreak on his last flights. Now this is surprising!

I see a brown bird moving its way through the trees on the ground. He'd stop, I'd try to get a little closer to figure out what it was, and of course, he'd move further into the trees. Never did get a good look before it disappeared.

Well, I'm now walking in the shadow of the mt. And getting a little nervous because its been perfectly quiet the whole walk and now there are birds chirping up a storm. Don't know if its me or there's something walking in the woods --- like a cougar (eek)! My mind thinks about my trip to Africa and the alarm cries from the birds when a predator is nearby. Maybe I'm psyching myself out but I have goosebumps -- always trust your instincts, I'm heading back.

Once out of that area, no more birds chirping - hmmmmm!

I do see 2 Mylitta Crescents on a few remaining yellow flowers.

Didn't make it the 3miles in (probably around 2.5) but it was a nice walk.

Sept 7 - Summit Park Peak

Somewhere new today -- Summit Park Peak. Its actually 1/2 between my 2 favorite places Lamb's Canyon and Mormon Pioneer Trail off HWY 80. The trail is 6mi round-trip w/ a starting elevation of 7368; and gain 1250ft. I've always wondered what was at the Parley's Summit exit and today I'll find out.

The trailhead is at the end of a paved road. My guide says I could drive to the trailhead but there were a couple cars parked at the end of the paved road - so I figured that they were there for a reason, so I should just follow. Sure enough about 20yrds on the gravel road was a nasty dip in the road. My low clearance car would've been eaten alive; but once past it, the road was just another gravel road.

As I'm looking for the actual start of the trail off the road, I'm greeted by 2 dogs -- the one just ignores me and the other comes over for a sniff and a scratch on the head. The owner (a lady) shows me where the trail begins, and says I can't get lost because all the trails (and there a plenty -- mostly for the bikers) loop around and either end here or a bit further up the road. She also tells me to go up to Summit Park Peak (which is where I was going) --- the locals have arranged rocks like a living room. She says to look for the Over Easy Trail.

So off I went up a series of 10 switchback called the Short Stack. The trail climbs thru a forest of white fir and spruce. Not much blooming - late in the season and its very heavily shaded --- there are past-bloomed mint though.

I meet up with a "happy dog" (a Golden Retriever) heading down the trail. Love those dogs!

I finally get thru the switchbacks and it opens up with a clear view east towards Park City. I'm out of the fir/spruce forest and among lots and lots of low growing scrub oak -- I need to remember this for CO Hairstreaks come next July (that's their host plant).

The trail comes into a forest of oak/maple and aspens. I'm just enjoying the sights when a snake slithers across the trail -- well, that livened things up.

Now here's where I get confused, in my head I know I should just keep following the trail (WOS trail or Weather Observation Station trail) but I keep remembering that the lady I met below said to take the Over Easy trail so when I came upon it, I took the right to follow it.

The trail was narrow as it wove thru the flowers (dead and dry flowers), and it was very steep. I finally came out onto a semi-ridge -- not a very good view. But that wasn't the end, the trail kept going up heading south -- not as steep now but pretty decent. In and out of the forest. And finally to the ridge. The view to the right was over Lamb's Canyon (one of my favorite hiking spots) and to the left, Park City.

I had a choice to go right or left - well not really, the trail to the right was blocked with a branch (usually means "don't go this way") so I had left along the ridge. There's some purple asters up here (yea, some flowers). Then I come upon a wooden cabin/shelter. Its between a couple of trees; has a tarp roof and inside,

its pretty sweet - a wooden slat "bed", a folding chair and not a bad view.

I continue along the ridge trying to find my way down. I see the trail a bit further down actually heading uphill. Hmmm... I'm a bit confused. And there are storms clouds building so I decided that the peak (and the living room) can be reached another day. (Should've stuck to the original plan.)

On the way down and one of the few very small patches of yellow flowers, there is a Mormon Metalmark bfly -- first one of the season and the first (and only bfly of the day).

I meet a Husky on the way down (he was going up....very slowly). The owner was in front of the dog and when he saw me, he just stopped --- think he wanted a rest and a pat on the head. A little further down the trail was a puppy Golden Retriever -- happy, ears flopping, tongue hanging and tail wagging. Can't beat it!

Sept 1 - Sunset Peak (actually Pass)

I was up before 5am this morning (my body must have thought it was a workday) which is OK but I couldn't go back to sleep. (bummer) Finally a little after 6, decided it was time to get up and go on an early hike. It was cloudy but only 20% chance of rain and the forecast said "Sunny" (must mean the clouds will burn off shortly).

Time to go to the Albion Basin which is at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon and above the Alta and Snowbird ski resorts at around 9500ft. Have never been that far in the Canyon (and it is as far as you can). But I've heard 1) its a great spot for moose 2) it is a premier area for wildflowers in July. I'm a little late for the wildflowers but definitely not moose.

The goal is Sunset Peak which is 4.2 mile (round trip) w/ a elevation gain of 1269ft (starting from 9379ft). The trail passes through the basin and up to Catherine's Pass (i.e., above Catherine Lake where I was yesterday) and up to Sunset Peak.

To get there, its to the end of the pavement (thru the town of Alta) and then 2miles on a dirt road winding up to the parking area. The views are incredible (despite the ski lifts). Huge mountains.

As I start up the dirt road, there's a doe in the middle of the road, just standing. I stop the car to watch. She finally hears my car and is trying to figure out what to do. Then on the left side of the road, a fawn steps out of the vegetation onto the road w/ Mom. Both are looking at me (and grooming themselves). I inch my car forward a bit and another fawn steps onto the road.

The first fawn gets a little spooked and heads into the vegetation. I inch forward some more and both deer start into the brush. I look to the left to make sure there are no more deer and there is another doe; I see her head. I move my car slowly because I'm afraid she'll bolt in front of my car; or worse, over the car. But she stayed and I got to pass. That's a nice start to the morning!

I continue to climb and finally get to the parking area (the parking to Cecret Lake is a little further down and a place I still need to visit). Only a few cars at about 8:30 --- 2 of them were guys with spotting scopes checking out the buck --- its hunting season and although they can't hunt in the direction they were looking, hunting is legal in some of the areas which I passed thru.

As I start up the trail, lots of purple asters still in bloom!

I was shocked because yesterday's hike was a little lower in elevation  the asters were about bloomed out by the time I got to Lake Mary (9,200).  But not complaining as they sure look nice. There were also white yarrow, a yellow buckwheat and some other yellow pea-like flower. There were lots of flowers past bloom - mints, lupine, geraniums, etc. And in an odd sort of way, they look pretty too.

There are some big mountains across the basin. I wish the sun was out because the mts would definitely look better against a blue sky and not totally cloudy one; but w/ the flowers in the foreground, they still look great!

I'm not too far into the trail when I come upon a man going in the opposite direction. He says something like "Boy, you're drinking a lot of water today" and I have no idea who he's talking to because there's no one else around. Maybe he's been hiking a bit too long. But as we pass, he has his 2-3yr old son on his back. And he has the camelback water tube in his mouth. I take their picture against the mountains and the little boy asks it I hear "it". All I hear are birds, then I hear it -- he's blowing bubbles in the tube. He was all smiles. What a cutey!

I see some ground squirrels along the way and then final come to a rather large meadow.

I checking it for moose but nothing. One last climb but I reached Catherine Pass (10,200). And yes, Catherine Lake is down below.

I've finally made it to the pass. The first time, I just ran out of time; yesterday, I got a headache on the hike (and I never get headaches) so I just never tried. But today success!

I see only one person at the lake -- pretty quiet, cloudy Sunday.

Time to go to Sunset Peak. I look at the trail and its pretty exposed - not liking it too much. But I talk myself into at least trying (I can always turn around). But as I climb, the trail turns to the backside of the mountain (yea!) which was less exposed and very sandy (not sure where the sand came from in this rocky environment).

I get almost to the Sunset Pass and there's this unbelievable view across the basin -- there's Lake Mary, Martha and Catherine!

I get to Sunset Pass.  The Great Western Trail connects here; but I'm not sure which way to go to Sunset Peak. Wish I would have brought my trail book along because I can't be that far way. Guess I'll just save it for another day -- maybe one with sun and possibly autumn colors. :)

As I head back down, many more folks heading up. Sometimes it pays to wake up early.

Next time I come to Catherine Lake, I'm coming this way as it is so much prettier than heading up from Big Cottonwood Canyon (except BCC has plenty of parking; LCC has very little parking - but does have a shuttle).

Great day (and it never did get sunny...the whole day).