Doing a butterfly recon mission to the Little Cottonwood Canyon Trail (2.8 miles and 1100 ft).
Happy to see the lower parking lot is open. Just a few cars in the lot and I start up the trail hoping for some butterflies and flowers.
I figure out quickly that there are no flowers in bloom yet - except the Waterleaf.
But I do get a glimpse at a Rocky Mt Duskywing flying and one male Sara Orangetip on the lower section.
As I continue, there is no sound of water; the creek is dry. All that run-off must be getting re-directed to reservoirs. I'm sure I'll find water farther up the trail - it all depends where the diversions happening.
After the water plant, the water start flowing fast but it'll get much higher as there's still a 130+ inch base up in the higher elevations.
I reach the first bridge and stop to check out the water.
This is supposed to be my destination for today but I just continue up listening to the roaring water. (Drowns out all those cars going up/down the canyon.)
The trail was clear below but after that first bridge it becomes very sporadic. In fact on one snow pile, I find a Mourning Cloak.
But the farther I increase in elevation, there's more snow to be dealt with. Still in patches as it's all sun-related - more sunshine no/less snow.
I cross the footbridge and then the 2nd bridge
and then another water diversion and stop for a peek.
Farther ahead, I see one fresh CA Tortoiseshell. Yea!
Below the 2nd parking, I see my friendly Balsamroot - he's a little smaller than I expected but he's been there every year since I moved here.
Below the trail to the 2nd parking, there's a stream of water running down the trail. It's still just a small stream but I know it'll be growing in the coming weeks.
I continue up until the end of the trail. That old white building across the stream is still there - probably missing a brick or two. And still is surrounded by ~3 feet of snow.
After a short break, it's time to head down.
So surprised that I didn't see many butterflies especially the overwinterers (Commas, M. Cloaks). Perhaps they've already flew and they caterpillars now. Hmm.
Good hike!
