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!
