My work week ends at 11am; what should I do: butterflies or Spring flowers?
I've been watching the Desolation Trail for weeks in AllTrails - snow from top to bottom reported just 3 weeks ago. But recently, the trail is reportedly as mostly clear with a few packed snow sectiosn and wildflowers just coming out. I'm going to view some flowers!
The Painted Ladies I saw in CA (and their offspring) have been moving through the Salt Lake Valley since just before Easter. Late last week, their numbers around my house and other places I've been have definitely increased.
Well, driving up Millcreek Canyon today was amazing. Not as many as CA, but wow! Many in view at all times - crossing the road, flitting along the side -- too fun!
At the trail head, there's no snow in sight.
I start up the 1.75 mile trail (1250ft elevation gain to ~7000 ft). There are Waterleaf and Glacier Lilies (actually they are Avalanche Lilies) blooming along the trail from the start. And the lilies continue all the up to the end. Some single plants and then there are large sections of hillside covered in the yellow of the lilies. Awesome!
Also prevalent in little higher up are the Spring Beauties. Definitely not as many as the lilies nor are they from the trail bottom to top but good coverage.
The Heartleaf Arnicas are up but not yet blooming at the bottom and very top of the trail.
Up several switchbacks, I find a few Yellow Violets
and I'm seeing Steer's Head plants up can't seem to find a flower.
And the Painted Ladies, I see quite a few even at the very top (7000 ft).
But, surprise, I see my 1st Anise Swallowtail of the year! (The first of two.)
I should say, the moths are really out today. Those black ones with white spots but more numerous are the little orange ones.
Not bad views out to the east.
About 1/2 way up in one of a few dry, sunny sections, I see a few different flowers. The Yellow Bells are just starting to bloom.
As are the Balsamroot.
Rounding the corner to the next switchback, ooh that's not a moth. It's darker with more rounded wings. It's flying from flower to flower but it finally stops. It's a bad angle but that looks like a Brown Elfin! Yes, it's a Brown Elfin -- only the 3rd one I've ever seen in Utah!!
I continue up the trail over 4 snow packed sections
Finding a few buttercups up here.
Finally, I reach overlook for a glimpse of Grandeur Peak across the canyon.
And the Salt Lake Valley.
Boy, just north of me, there's a lot of snow.
I continue up to the top - lots of moose droppings along the way and a couple of Groundsel plants.
After a quick break, it's time to head down.
One final great find -- Steer's Head!!
Great trip!
