May 26 - Silver Lake and Willow Lake Trails (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

Su-nny day in the low 70s predicted. But the sky is filled with high clouds this morning. I debate a bit before deciding to check out the mountains and their hike-ability today. Heading up to the end of Big Cottonwood Canyon and Silver Lake. Last time I was here a few weeks ago the foot bridges were covered in snow but becomes of the cold weather, I was able to get up and across the switchbacks. It's not that today and I'm just hoping to make to the switchback.

Heading up the canon, the snow is definitely melting but still plenty there especially past the town of Silver Lake.

I reach the Silver Lake parking. Temperatures are in the 40s and the sky is overcast. About 1/2 the snow has melted but there's still a good 3-4 feet remaining.

I start across the snow pack post holing along before I find the packed trail (yea). The foot bridge rails are now visible

and more of Silver Lake is visible.

Swallows are flying and a handful of Mallards are around.

I make my way along the side of the lake and take a trail towards the Twin Lakes trail. Unfortunately, due to the melting snow (and lack of traffic), I could not find a trail heading up to the switchback.

I head back to the main trail and over to the dock - again rails visible but dock has 2-3 feet of snow covering.

I was wondering what animal was making tracks along the open water and find my answer - Mallards!

I decide to not head around the remainder of the lake so I just backtrack to my car.

On the way down the canyon, I stop at the Willow Lake trail. It looks clear on the bottom so why not.

Lots of Bluebells emerging all along the trail (and many other flowers).

I see a couple of ground squirrels as I head up.

The aspens are not even starting to leaf out - still very early in the season.

The robins are very active - chirping, chasing each other - as are the Juncos.

I get to the top of the steep climb and as the trail turns east I run into snow. I walk off trail

to find the trail. I find it but its covered. I know I can find my way to the lake but decided I'll wait. In another week, the trail should be mostly clear (assuming we get some sunny days).

On the way down, I see a Flicker and several Stellar Jays.

Good day of scouting.