Sept 27 - Upper Millcreek Trail (Millcreek Canyon)

Heading to hike a trail that I haven't been on in a few years - the Upper Millcreek Trail. There's not much Fall going on yet in the valley or Big Cottonwood Canyon so I thought this would a good chance to see what's going on near Park City.

Temps are supposed to be in the low 70s with a cold front coming in later. Forecast calls for partly cloudy skies so I have no idea when the sun will fade.

It's in the low 50s this morning when I leave from home. The sun is shining but there are some clouds out there.

Heading up Millcreek Canyon I can see Fall color but it's hard to really tell since the canyon is still in the shade.

I'm heading to the of the road; the Upper Big Water parking area (7476ft). Plenty of parking when I arrive a bit after 8am. It's in the 40s and shady but not very windy.

As I start up the trail, I'm greeted by a "Aggressive Black Bear" warning sign. Makes me a bit nervous but heading up anyway.

The ground vegetation is definitely Fall-like. But there are a few yellow flowers, purple asters, and I see a couple of red Paintbrush.

Very early on, I see a Red Breasted Nuthatch in the tree next to me.

In 1.8 miles, I reach the Great Western Trail. There's still a little bit of snow on the edges of the trail near the intersection but that's all for the rest of the trail.

Along the way, I see two deer near a meadow but they quickly disappear.

At 2.5 miles I reach a decision point. Left heads over to Park City and Murdock Peak; right heads up to the Wasatch Crest. I'm heading right and I start the uphill trek thru initially pines and then up thru the Aspens. There's a bit of color but not the Fall yellows.

And it's so windy up here!!!! (And cold too!)

I stop at the first lookout towards the ski resorts of Park City. (I've climbed that hill before but not today.)

I continue on finally reaching to point where I can see the peaks of the BCC and LCC (not much color there either).

Finally reach the next lookout (9385ft and around 3miles total)

I decide to go a bit farther but there's a big hill in my way and the skies toward the valley look like rain so time to head back.

Nothing exciting on the way back.

Wished for more color but still a great day!

Sept 25 - Dog Lake (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

Taking the day off and heading to either Desolation Lake or Dog Lake; it all depends on the state of the Fall tree colors (or lack thereof). I tend to hike to Desolation Lake around Sept 25 every year; sometimes I get peak colors and other times, I miss it.

Cool morning; it's in the upper 40s when I wake. As I start my drive to the trail head, it's in the upper 50s and the sun is rising. The trees are starting to change in the lower part of Big Cottonwood; mainly the Maples with bursts of orange/red. But its sporadic.

The trail head is mid canyon. The aspen here are just starting to change but again the non-aspen trees are somewhat colorful.

Only a couple of cars in the lot so it should be a quiet trip.

The trail is in the shade as it parallels Big Cottonwood Canyon and again as it turns up the Mill D fork. There are chipmunks/squirrels making noises and moving around. The flowers are all but gone except patches of purple asters and a few yellow flowers. Ground vegetation is yellow/brown.

Keeping my eyes scanning for moose or deer but even when I reach the stream (and after) no such luck today.

Nearing the intersection of the Dog Lake/Desolation Lakes trails, the tree colors really haven't started to move. (Another thing that's late this year.)

Because of that, I decide to head the extra 0.6 miles (and a steep hill) to Dog Lake. As I head up, nothing moving but those chipmunks and squirrels.

I reach the lake

and find a lady with her dog already at the lake. The dog is retrieving a tennis ball from the lake. They came from Millcreek Canyon as dogs are allowed on those trails (but not on the Big Cottonwood ones).

I work my way around the lake clockwise and find a log on the other side for a quick rest. There are 3 female mallard ducks nearby. Two of them start my way; I'm assuming for a snack because I'm sure they get fed regularly from hikers/families.

But not from me. :) They graze in front of me before heading into the water for a swim.

Another lady/dog arrive at the lake with a stick and play catch into the water. They soon leave and so do I heading around the rest of the lake.

Before heading down. On the way down, I hear something moving thru the forest; it's a deer!

On the rest of the way down, it's sunnier and I find a Frit (only one).

Good day!

Sept 21 - Twin Lakes (Another snowfall)

Sunny day predicted with temps in the 60s.

Yesterday was only in the 50s with lots of rain and snow in the mountains. Heading up to Twin Lakes to enjoy that snow before it melts when the sun rises.

It's cold this morning; in the 40s at my house. Twins Lakes will be in the 30s when I arrive but I can't wait. Love walking thru a few inches of new snow; and love seeing it.

As I head up Big Cottonwood Canyon, the lower parts of the canyon of snow free. The snow is on the ground at Silver Lake and Brighton. (At Solitude, the snow is higher on the slopes.)

Only a few cars in the parking lot when I arrive.

I head out around the Visitors Center to see brown grasses and snow on the slopes; just a few inches. The slope is still covering the trees/shrubs, it looks awesome!

I start around a frozen (ie, icy) boardwalk.

I reach the footbridge. The sun is just coming up over the mountains.

Silver Lake look awesome!

Today, instead of heading to Lake Solitude, I'm going to Twin Lakes directly. Up I go thru the still green and snow covered aspens. The snow is actively melted now; lots of dripping from the trees.

There are paw prints heading up to the switchback. I would love to believe that these are coyote and they should be because there are no dogs allowed up the canyon; but I'm skeptical.

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I reach the switchback, check for Pika (just one) and start across stopping only to look down on Silver Lake.

Time to start the uphill. There have been up since the snow; from the looks of the tracks, since they're all frozen, they are from yesterday. I take the path not traveled and the one I normally take that head directly up the mountains; not the rocky road.

I stop several times to look for deer/moose and simply to enjoy the snow.

Before long, I reach the dam.

And head around. Beautiful!!

I decide to take the trail along side the lake going about 1/2 to the other side. I find a rock and take a short rest.

Time to head back down to the Silver Lake.

Reaching the switchback, I again check for Pika/Marmot but nothing today.

Snowfall is always awesome!

Sept 18 - Red Pine Lake (Little Cottonwood Canyon)

It's been 3 years since I've been up to Red Pine Lake and today I'm breaking my absence from this wonderful hike. The hike is 3.25 miles with 2000ft of elevation gain to the lake. The 1st 1-1.5 miles are pretty easy and then the uphill starts and doesn't stop to the lake. In my opinion, the hardest hike I've done here.

I've been following some AllTrails reports that state the lake's dam has been opened and the lake lowered for the oncoming winter (boo!) and that the trail maintenance crews were out on this trail this summer removing some of those ugly steep/rocky uphill sections and lengthening the hike to around 8 miles. Can't wait to see it!

Sunny, cold morning with temps at my house of 49 degrees when I left just before 8am. It's about the same temperature when I arrived at the trail head (7100ft). Coupled with the trail still being in the shade, it's chilly enough for me to start out with my fleece jacket which doesn't happen often.

As I start out, the aspens have not started to change yet but the flowers are about all gone reduced to just dry stalks. However, there are still Purple Asters in bloom along with a few yellow flowers and a couple of Red Paintbrush.

I pass over the bridge right off the trail head and continue along past the tiny waterfall cave.

And there are signs of Fall,

Soon I reach the creek, cross over on the foot bridge

and to the overlook of Little Cottonwood Canyon into the Salt Lake Valley - looking good this early morning!

And then the uphill begins until I reach the first trail re-route. Thankfully, around a steep sections. The reroute is several nicely inclined switchbacks. All dirt, no rocks or tree stumps - perfect!

But when it ends, the steep uphill continues until reaching the turn off for Maybird Lakes (2.5 miles). I check out the foot bridge that one crosses to continue to Maybird.

I, however, am going straight. Typically, this is a 1/2 mile, 500 ft rocky climb to Red Pine Lake. I'm not sure what I'm in for today.

Well, I can say there are still rocky, steep sections but they've been reduced by 2 sets of switchbacks. Yea! Definitely much easier!

But the super strong cold wind is incredible! But I refuse to stop to put on my jacket until I reach the lake. Brrrr!

Despite being longer, I still make it to the lake in 2 hours. (And that jacket goes on quickly).

I checkout the near side of the lake first. The lake is definitely low

But low from draining is so much better than low because of drought. I head over to the dam.

My plan is to walk across but that wind is so cold and I turn back to the trail that heads to the other side of the lake.

Where I find a nice spot to take a rest.

It's a short one - hands freezing, body a bit cold. Time to head back down.

On the way down, I find a Skipper.

I find a few more when I reach the creek below.

Then it's about 1 mile to my car. Mission accomplished!

Awesome day!

Sept 15 - Gravel Pit Trail (Antelope Island)

Sunny day with highs in the mid-80s predicted.

Doing something different today by heading up to Antelope Island for the first time in months (April). My plan is just to see what's moving on the island (and on the Great Salt Lake/Farmington Bay) and perhaps if the temperatures are still in the low 70s hike the Gravel Pit/Beacon Hill Trail (4.4 miles).

When I arrive on the causeway, I'm surprised to see water in the marshes on the north side of the causeway. I think it's been years since I've seen that in Sept! And boy are there birds - mostly Avocets and Shovelers and a few Canadian Geese - tons of Avocets!

There's also water in spots on the Farmington Bay (south) side - amazing. Boy, awesome for the birds!

I arrive on the island and head towards the Ranch. I don't have to travel far to see my first bison behind the Visitor's Center. Oh, and there's a Pronghorn up there too!

Where the road branches left towards the Ranch, there are several more bison on both sides of the road.

Oh, and the yellow sunflowers are pretty amazing right now!

Continuing towards the Ranch, it isn't until near White Rock ridge when I see a Pronghorn running thru the grasses towards my car.

He crosses behind me and continues at a fast pace towards the water. Not sure why he is in such a hurry but it's fun to watch!

As I near Frary Peak, there is a large number of bison on the lake bed moving south.

Actually, the herd continue farther south with some crossing the road and some under the Frary Peak mountains.

I roll up to these bison moving thru the wonderful sunflowers!!

Continuing on, I soon see a herd of Pronghorn or deer on the lake bed -- they're deer - does and fawns!

As I turn to continue, a Mom and fawn deer cross road ahead of me.

Farther down the road, I see another Pronghorn on the hillside.

Oh, there's another herd of bison on the backside of that hill - I'll see them better on my return.

As the Ranch comes, there are more bison on the lakebed. Actually, they are at the Ranch too and from what I can tell, they stretch south past the Ranch as well. Definitely, a bison type of day!

I reach the Ranch and continue down the dirt road past Sentry Peak and to the end of the driveable road. There are bison all along the way.

The sunflowers down here are also incredible!!

Time to head north and yes, hike the Gravel Pit/Beacon Hill trail.

On the way north, those bison on the backside of the hill and moving to and crossing the road. I get stopped by part of the herd.

It's been an awesome day but it's time for a hike. It's about 72 degrees when I start with a nice breeze to help keep me cool. Lots of dragonflies on the trail; mostly the red Meadowhawk variety. And they are flying all the way to the end at Beacon Hill.

I'm also seeing a few Monarchs flying (7 total).

I not seeing any animals but there are plenty of Pronghorn scat signs (and a few hooves).

On the east side of Beacon Hill there are large patches of grass that are flattened. Most have been some bison resting at some point.

Then it's up Beacon Hill and views of Frary Peak and Farmington Bay!

 There are Checkered Whites flying up here!

Time to head back. See a Branded Skipper.

On the way back across the causeway, I see Grebes and Black Necked Stilts on Farmington Bay (in addition to the Avocets and Shovelers).

Great day!

Sept 13 - Cecret Lake & Germania Pass

Sunny mid-70s

Heading up into the Albion Basin to find some snow (what's left from Wednesday snowfall). I'm not sure if I'm heading up to Catherine's Pass or Germania Pass yet; I'll decide when I get up there.

Still no color change in the leaves yet.

I reach the summer gate and I head up the dirt road. After seeing the snow on Devil's Castle this morning and Sugarloaf Peak, I'm heading to Cecret Lake and then up to Germania/Sugarloaf Passes. It looks fun!

It's sunny and cool with temps in the upper 40s. There's still a layer of frost on some of the vegetation but much of it is frost free.

I head up the trail and soon reach the first views of Devil's Castle.

After one stream crossing (a rock hopper), I'm ready to start climbing the switchbacks to Cecret Lake.

There's a few flowers still blooming along the slopes; mainly purple asters and a yellow flower.
 Up, up, up and before long I'm at the lake. And she's looking wonderful this morning!

It's pretty crowded already so I just look around briefly before heading up the ski cat road up to the Pass.

Up, up to go. Once I pass the trail heading to a view above Cecret Lake and round the next corner, the bulk of the snow comes into view. It's just an inch or two but it's still snow!  And it covers the ground in the immediate shadow of Sugarloaf Peak.

On my up to Germania Pass, the flowers are few but I do Yarrow, Purple Asters, a few White Paintbrush, etc.

I reach Germania Pass but instead of stopping for a look, I just continue along the switchback next to Bald Mountain towards Sugarloaf Pass.

Walking along the slopes, there are patches of flowers. And along these slopes, surprise! There are butterflies! In some cases, they are even fighting over the flowers!

(Mormon Frits)

(Mormon Frit, Blue Copper (male), Ruddy Copper (female) -- the male is oddly courting the female)

There are also plenty of Rocky Mt Parnassian

and I find what looks like a worn Lupine or Melissa Blue.

I also hear Pika and I find a few along the down slopes.

And I can't forget the Marmot.

Before I know, I reach Sugarloaf Pass (10,500) looking across the Albion Basin.

The other side is Mineral Basin with Mt Timp in the background. I make my way to the ski for the best views.

I have lunch to the right of the lift and enjoy the view (and the buzzing of the bees and grasshoppers).

There are plenty of butterflies flying on the downslopes - mostly Parnassians but there are a few Mormon Frits and one Checkered White.

I'm getting a little chilly so it's time to start making my way back along the ridge.

Before I start downhill, I find a family of Marmots. So cute!

Time to head down. When I reach the butterfly section, I take a slow walk thru since it's probably the last time I see butterflies on these slopes until next summer. The male Ruddy Coppers are so pretty!

On the way back to Cecret Lake,

I stop at my favorite perch over looking the lake

and the Albion Basin (awesome)!

Then it's down to the Lake.

And back to the parking when I find a large brown bird (maybe Red Tailed Hawk) of prey on a pole.

And a Hoary Comma.

Awesome day!