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!
