Oct 12 Summit Peak Trail

Got a late start today but decided to pass on the Mts and go chase some Fall color. For the past week I know the trees on the Wasatch Front are changing colors, I see them everytime I come home but the colors are faint. I saw the colors at Antelope Island yesterday so today I heading up Parley's Canyon for a quick check of the road to the Mormon Trail and then off to Summit Peak trail.

Hwy 80 thru Parley's Canyon, I could tell the colors were all there but because the sun was in my eyes it was really hard to enjoy. I got off at the Jeremy's Ranch exit and made my way to the dirt road that leads to the Mormon Trail. The colors around the houses and foothills in the Jeremy's Ranch subdivision were really nice but I knew the dirt road would be better especially with the river that flows thru the open pasture land. And it didn't disappoint.

Burnt orange, dirty yellows, reds were up all of the foothills.

The grasses around the stream were all different shades of red.

Really pretty and many photos stops were made.

Now time to backtrack one exit to do the Summit Peak trail -- which I tried during the summer but turned around due to rain clouds approaching fast.

I get off the exit and turned left too quickly and ended up going uphill thru a subdivision of really nice houses on a narrow road. Lots of "Moose Crossing" signs on the road. The houses were something I could see myself living in (wild backyard - ski chalets) BUT they were far too close to each other. Pretty interesting to get up and down that road in the winter.

Headed back down (luckily the road had "Exit" signs so I didn't get lost) and then made the proper turn to weave thru another subdivision to the trailhead parking.

In the upper 40s now at around 11am. Yesterday I vowed never to forget my gloves and today I did bring them (even went back in the house after I was ready to go to pick them up) but decided to not take them because the sun was out --- not a good move. So now I vow not only to bring them in my car but actually take them on the hike :)

The trail starts with 10 switchbacks, there were lots of yellow shrubs to look at while walking thru the pines on this section of the trail. The trail was very wet and muddy in spots - and slick. I thought it was because of the rains on Thurs/Fri but I found out quickly and there were still remnants of snow in spots. Looks like the trails are freezing at night and when they warm up, mud.

The mud made getting up the turns on some of the switchback interesting as they were pretty steep.

After I got thru the switchbacks (and the pines), I got to the colors.

Mostly different shades of oranges and a burned yellow of the scrub oak (and a few reds). The colors were below the trail and above up to the top of the foothills.

So pretty. Walking thru was amazing.

Found a fir cone and its was disintegrating so I helped it along. Actually saw for the 1st time what the seeds looked like and pulled enough off to see the cone stem. Just doing some investigation.

Squirrels were sure chattering today.

Finally got into the bright yellow aspens and looked out to the east and could see the snow in the high Uintas. (I think I missed the window to get out and hike in the Uintas (10K+ peaks)-- the snow is sticking -- probably still worth a drive though).

Got to the trail junction with the Over Easy trail (I took the Over Easy trail last time). The Over Easy is very steep and extremely muddy today - would prove very interesting to get up if I were taking it.

Continued on the main trail, a few spots were like mud skating -- my shoes were so heavy with mud.

Got to a part of the trail that was just dead tree branches -- no color -- seemed out-of-place.

When I got to the end, I had 2 choices to go left and one to go right and I didn't remember which one to take. Tried the left and as soon as it started downhill I knew it wasn't correct (I was going to a summit that has to mean uphill.)

So I sat down and had lunch enjoying the warm sun and views. Then a dog started barking at me - scared me. His owner called him back and apologized. She told me the summit was to the right.

Finished lunch and then headed right. Took a faint trail (it had footprints on it) but after a bit of walking on a sketchy trail decided that it didn't seem right so headed back. I was almost back when I saw the real trail (I must have been on a game trail.) This trail went up hill. Pretty steep in spots and at times I felt like a cartoon character with my feet spinning and going no where in the mud. At one point I slipped forward and caught myself with my hands before splatting into the mud. :)

I knew I was close to the top but I had enough of the mud and headed back. (At least I made it further than last time.) So now I had to go down the steep muddy hill -- my goal was simply not to end up on my butt.

I didn't see this on my way up but there was a crudely made lean-to in the woods. Second one I've seen on these trails.

Made it safely back down to the main trail and headed back to the trailhead.

There are definitely moose in these woods -- I see hoof prints on the trail.

At one point going back I came extremely close to ending up on my backside. Luckily, with right leg kicked out in front of me and arms waving in the air, my left heel must've dug into the mud  and I was able to balance myself and prevent a sloppy fall (like a horrible flamingo imitation) Whew!

Made it safely down the rest of the trail.

The drive home was amazing. The sun was just perfect and the foothills were alive with color. From top to bottom, they were covered in a carpet of various shades of oranges and deep dark (dirty) yellows. There were occasional spots of red and brilliant yellows. Even the tall 8000-9000ft slopes were covered in the mat of color. For the foothills that weren't covered in trees, the colors looked like a formal gardens scattered on the hillsides. Made me smile to see all of that. Pretty amazing.

And that wasn't the best part. The best part was entering Parley's Canyon where the mountains (and the carpet of colors) is right near your car. Fantastic!!!

Oct 11 - Sentry Trail - Antelope Island

With rain the last 2 days, I decided that a snowy or sloppy hike in the mountains was not on the agenda today. I'm returning to Antelope Island (Great Salt Lake). Haven't been there since late April/early May when the gnats arrived.  But today its 50degrees and sunny, perfect day to go back to check out Fall on Antelope Island. (But cool enough for gloves and I didn't bring any - must bring gloves from now on.)

Heading to the Sentry trail on the east side of the island --- did this trail earlier in the year (had to walk thru a herd of bison).

Antelope Island was a wise choice because there are still clouds in the mountains even up in the Layton area.

The drive down the causeway was wonderful as usual. There was no water at the start -- but it sure smelled like salt water. A little further down, there was water and the mountains and clouds cast nice reflects.

I could see the Oquirrh Mts to the west had lots of snow on their tops from the recent rains. Looked pretty stunning and at this point in the year, I'd bet that snow isn't melting anytime soon.

Before I headed down the east side, I had to make pit stop. There was a truck in front of me that suddenly stopped in the road -- I don't know why. But on my way back, I found out --- there was a bison on the side of the road (the truck was blocking my view of it) eating the vegetation. And he must've been so hungry because he had dried plants hanging from his horn.

I saw 3 more bison on the way down the east side. The orange/red colors of the lake-side grasses were wonderful.

And the masses of yellow rabbitbrush over the plains made it look like fall. Most of the hills are sagebrush but in some of the deep valleys, I could see the bright yellows of aspen and the reds of other trees.

There were no massive herd of bison today.

I got down to the ranch (end of the paved road) and parking for Sentry trail and was called over by a DNR guy. Told me I can now drive down the dirt road to a new trailhead -- guess they just opened the dirt road to the general public - yea, I get to save about 1/4mile walk both ways!

He also wanted to show me a sleeping female Great Horned Owl in the tree. I've never see a wild one (only ones in rehab). Boy was she beautiful and blended nicely into the tree. I could see that her eyes were closed.

The guy told me the male was around earlier but had flown off. This pair have had owlets on the ranch property the last 2 years - once on a platform and the other time in an old raven's nest. I learned something today, I thought they built their own nest in holes of trees but they actually re-use nest, treeholes from other birds. Thank-you Mr DNR!!. And now I can look for them come winter.

I got back in my car and went down the washboard dirt road to the parking area and started on my way.

I was greeted by the rabbitbrush, sunflowers and a yellow plant that looked like Arnica. And I was surprised to see bflys!! Mostly sulphers but I also saw a Monarch, 2 Checkered Whites, 2 Mylitta Crescents, a Common Checkered Skipper and 1 Melissa Blue. Pretty exciting. They were all at the bottom of the trail.

As I climbed, I just enjoyed the Fall views.

At one point during the climb, there were 3 bison on the other side of the gully from me --- actually very very steep gully. They were eating and stopped and all looked my way. And then just continued to eat.

There were puddles from the rains of the last 2 days but the trail was mostly dry. In some muddy places, I could see deer or pronghorn tracks. And come to think of it, I've never seen a deer here.

I came to a intersection in the trail -- the one trail was closed to hikers but there was one hiker on it of the 4-legged variety, a coyote! Never fails, everytime I come, I see a coyote and I'm still thrilled. He looked my way as he was crossing the trail.

I finally get to saddle and the views westward towards the Oquirrhs and the white mountain tops. It was windy up here (from the west) so I had to pull out my windbreaker.

A quick lunch enjoying the views and I was off heading south down the saddle behind Sentry Peak.

Pretty rocky around the trail. Spotted a lizard!

As I got closer to the rocky Sentry peak there were lots of signs of bison - fresh signs (and smells) of bison. Definitely had to watch were I was stepping. I looked down below towards the water and could see what could be just large rocks or bison. Actually there were rocks and bison - a herd of about 30 - and I know where they were early in the day. :)

Finished the crossing and started back down the hill. Along the way I scared up a pronghorn. He trotted across the road and stopped. He was about 200 yrds away. He turned to look at me and then trotted off. I watched him for a while and at one point he was perfectly silhouetted against the lake.

The butterflies were still flying on my return.

I still had time so I drove off towards the Visitors Center. I made a stop at one of the official turn offs and walked down towards the water on what looked like a game trail (lots of little pellets along the way). I was just trying to get good shots of the lake but it really didn't work out so well.

A little further down the road was a lone pronghorn. Worth a photo.

As I turned toward the Center some movement in the sagebrush caught my eye. And yes there are deer here! There were 2 buck - both looked to have 5-6 points.

Stopped on the beach for a quick look.

As I circled the Center, the one bison (w/ the grass in his horn) was still there -- no grass. And there were 4 others around the Center.

What a great day -- lots of wildlife and fall colors. And the part shot, as I drove past the gate was a red-tailed hawk pretty low to the ground, flew right over my car. I was glad no one was behind me because I stopped to watch. Can't beat that to close the day!!

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).