Oct 15 - Twin Lakes (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

Sunny and almost 70 degrees today; it's time for an after work hike into the mountains. Heading up to Twin Lakes to check out whether those yellowish aspen have turn yellower or got bit by heavy frost and have browned/fallen.

The lower part of the canyon is still bright and colorful filled with oranges and reds. But as I gain elevation those yellow aspen are no longer yellow; they are brown or fallen. :(

I arrive at Silver Lake where it's sunny and 55 degrees.

As I walk around the boardwalk, the grasses/vegetation are certainly brown and the flowers are all brown - some fuzzy seed heads from the Asters still remain.

At the foot bridge, I see several trout swimming around - much larger than earlier in the year.

I head past the lake and up the trail to Lake Solitude.

I activity along the trail, just some piles of Pika vegetation on the rocky areas.

I reach Lake Solitude stopping briefly before rounding the lake and starting uphill. I'm 1/2 way up the first switchback when I see a doe laying in the trail; she's sees me as well.

I slowly approach as she is in my way. After a few steps she stands and her two fawns step out onto the trail from the hillside.

It's a stand-off until I continue walking. The doe walks off to the left and a bit uphill. The fawns follow.

I walk pass and continue up to the hill taking a quick stop to look down on Lake Solitude.

I reach the top of the trail looking down on Twin Lakes. I look for moose/deer around the lake but nothing.

I head up to my "perch" for another down on the lakes.

Then it's time to head down to the lake.

Finally, see a chipmunk!

After a brief stop at the dam, it's time to head down.

I reach the switchback and start across.

Lots of Pika scurrying around this evening.

Great day!