Mar 18 - Little Cottonwood Trail

Heading to the Little Cottonwood Trail this afternoon. The trail is at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon and is a good early season hike. I'm actually hoping to see some overwintering bflies today (Commas, Mourning Cloaks); it's been warm enough to be flying.

I get start around 1:30. The main parking is not open yet although the parking lot and surrounding area is pretty much snow-free.

I have to travel a couple miles up the canyon to a small parking lot. The trail starts about 1/4 mile before the actual end of the trail across from the old brick building.

Still lots of snow here - trail is covered with up to 3 feet in spots. There are open spots in the sunnier portions of the trail.

I head to the trail's end first. I hear a few squirrels and see a couple of robins along the way.

Must have been a hard winter as I have to work my way around 3 trees that have fallen and are crossing the trail.

Looks like this little pine had a hard winter.

I can hear walking flowing in the creek especially as I get closer to the end. I arrive at the end to snow and open water. Wonderful!

On the way back down, I see an orange bfly fly by but I can't keep track of him. Definitely a Comma - but whether it was a Satyr or Hoary Comma I'm not sure. Perhaps I'll see another one.

I take a side trail to get closer to the creek...

...before continuing.

I head pass the trail to the parking and head down hill.

Nothing too exciting just lots of snow!

I cross the 2 foot bridges - both still with over a foot of snow on them.

Not seeing any moose tracks or scat -- I've seen them the last 2 winters. We did have a lot of snow early; perhaps the moose migrated to lower altitudes.

I finally make it to the 3rd bridge and my turn around point. Less snow on this bridge but still covered.

The trail continues down towards the main parking. Looks pretty clear of snow as it's mostly in the sun. I would expect to see more bflies if I continued but that's not for today.

Time to return.

Nice little snowy hike to end my day!