Heading back up to Twin Lakes today. I've heard that the snow has all melted around Silver Lake and for the most part, it's clear up to Twin Lakes (minus a few snow packed sections). I hoping to see a early season, little green butterfly: Sheridan's Hairstreak.
I arrive somewhere between 8:30 - 9am. I need to quit dragging my feet on Friday mornings because the population is increasing here and therefore the parking lots are getting crowded earlier. But I do manage to grab one to the last parking spots in the main parking and start up the trail.
The muddy, just melted landscape, is much more green now as I head around counter-clockwise.
When I reach the footbridge I'm hoping to see circling trout (I assume it's a spawning thing). Sure enough, circling trout!!
I continue around noting the Solomon's Seal and Columbine that is up but not blooming.
There are a few Mallards on the lake and feeding.
I reach the corner (yea, they cut the big fallen tree off the trail) and start up towards Twin Lakes/Lake Solitude. The Glacier Lilies are about bloomed out but there is a few stragglers.
I reach the intersection - the path to Lake Solitude looks clear - but heading off the other direction. Up thru the aspen I go. The Yellow Violets are now blooming.
I reach the switchback and quickly check the rocks for Pika (or Marmot). I don't hear any Pika but I do manage to get a glimpse of one.
And a ground squirrel too!
The switchback is clear 1/2 way and then snow packed the rest of the way.
Once across, the steep trail is clear (the road trail is still snowy).
Tiny white flowered plants are now blooming. (One of the early ones.)
I head up and quickly find what I came to see - a White-lined Sheridan's Hairstreak!!!
(I end up see 5 today.)
The trail is for the most part clear. However, there are a few short sections that are still packed.
Higher up the top, the Glacier Lilies are now blooming.
Definitely more snow as I near the dam but still plenty of open spots.
Finding some buttercups in these open spots.
The final stretch at the dam is still covered in about 2 feet of snow. On the other side, it's so pretty. The lake is still mostly frozen.
The water is definitely rising and the beach is getting smaller.
I decide to make an attempt to take the trail up above the lakes but after crossing another section of snow decide that can wait another week.
Very happy, I start my way down.
I reach Silver Lake and decide to complete the loop. Lots of people out today.
I do find Shooting Stars but they are mostly past bloom!
And some large buttercups.
Awesome day!
Oh but it's not over yet! As I drive out of the parking and towards Brighton, I see several stopped cars with people taking photos. I stop and find 2 moose - one male and one female.
Great way to end the day!
(And you can't beat 4 moose in 2 days!)
