Well, I said I wasn't going to pay to go into the Albion Basin again this year. (Last week I hoofed from the town up to Germania Pass.) But this morning, with all the options I have, I really want to go see the flowers especially a top the ridge at 10,400+ ft. So up the canyon I go, pay my $8 at the booth, and drive up the dirt road to find myself a parking spot at the Catherine's Pass parking.
I arrive just after 8am and there are still plenty of parking spaces.
It's in the 50s and the trail is still in the morning shade (as expected).
There's a mix of flowers along the trail. Some still blooming and other dying out. The state of the flowers depends where on the trail I am.
It's not long before I reach the meadow. It's nice and sunny here. Unfortunately, there's no moose or deer visible. But there is a field filled with Elkweed - pretty cool! And lots of these yellow flowers (King's Flax I believe).
After one last hill, I reach Catherine's Pass. There's only one other person here; the lady I followed the whole way but soon it'll be packed as I passed a bunch of folks.
I only stop for a quick look before continuing up towards Sunset Pass.
I make one stop looking down on Lake Catherine (right) and Lake Mary (left)
before reaching the Pass. I don't take a look when I reach the Pass (the lady is there). Instead, I walk along the ridge for about 60ft before I take a look. View is great as are the flowers (especially the Paintbrush).
I continue along the trail; at one point, it's a bit of a drop.
I also find Elegant Death Camas along the way.
Soon I reach the other side and Devil's Castle and the Supreme Lift (10,500ft) are in view. And there are so many flowers - so many Paintbrush. Fields of it!!
As I work my way to the Lift there are other flowers including bunches of yellow flowers.
So pretty up here; this is what I came for - FLOWERS!!
There's also a hawk flying around,
I reach the lift and take a peek down into the Albion Basin.
Time to head back. Many of these birds flying - I think young Western Bluebird??
I stop near the Pass for a break.
Before heading down.
No butterflies so far but on the way down other than several Frits (I think Great Basin Frit)
But plenty of hummingbirds as I walk thru the meadow.
Mission accomplished!
