Antelope Island is out of the running for a hike because the nasty biting gnats are out. (Glad I got up Frary Peak last week!)
I checked Millcreek Canyon and the AllTrails comments all indicate lots of snow, mud on all trails. Also, because of the cool Spring, the butterflies are 1-2 weeks behind. So if I have to deal with snow and mud, I'd rather scope out the situation in Big Cottonwood Canyon and then deal only with snow.
So up Big Cottonwood Canyon I go. Very light on the traffic heading up around 8am -- no skiing, snowy hiking trails, empty canyon; I love it!
The bottom is snow-free and greening up. The creek is flowing at a good rate - the over 600 inches this winter has to melt at some point.
The S-curve is pretty clear of snow at least along the road but by the time I get about mid-canyon (Mill D) I reach the start of snow on the ground. Lots of snow on the peaks as expected.
As I approach Solitude, the snow on the ground is high around the houses and alongside of the road.
I put in the Silver Lake parking and am amused at the piles of snow along the side of the parking lot and against the Visitor's Center over 5-6 feet tall!
I'm not sure how to get over it especially since the Visitor's Center is closed. But as I walk to the left of the Visitor's Center, people have made a short trail up and over the snow pile. Glad I brought my Micro-spikes as the snow is hard and icy in the sunny 26 degree temperatures.
On the other side of the snow pile is a winter wonderland!
And there are only 2 other people here getting their morning X-country skiing in - awesome!
Since this is a Nordic Center in the winter months, I follow the remaining snowshoe/X-country skiing trails. Easy walking on the packed/icy snow.
I head in a counter-clockwise direction towards some metal orange markers where I think the little bridge crossing is - but it's totally buried in snow - no sign of even the bridge's wooden handrails. (Still amazes me the amount of snow.)
I cross the bridge (I think)
and then head around the corner of the lake hoping to find something that resembles a trail towards the start of the Twin Lake trail. But first, I have to stop at my favorite summer stop.
Continuing on, I find the corner!
And yes, there's a ski trail so I follow along. I must hike this trail too often because, even with all the snow, I know exactly where the intersection should happen and happy, there have been a few people that have attempted the hike to Twin Lakes already.
I head uphill through the aspen groves.
It's so quiet except for the many sounds of birds chirping away.
The going is still easy except for a few bent aspens trees that I have to work myself around before reaching the switchback.
I reach the switchback which is nicely groomed for the Ski-cat.
I work myself across - so beautiful!
I decide to cross the entire switchback as I'm curious how hard it would be to get to Twin Lakes. Looks possible too bad I didn't bring a backpack or I'd head up now. But if the weather is good this coming week-end...
I do find a nice viewpoint on the world below.
And then it's time to start heading down.
On the way down, I find a paw track. Could be coyote or perhaps Marten.
When I make my way back to Silver Lake, I decide to complete the loop around the lake. First stop is the boardwalk. It's not buried but I'm standing higher than the rails.
And then to the opposite side.
Continuing on I find a very large eaten cache of Douglas Fir cones.
Awesome trip!
