April 22 - Mueller Park Trail to Elephant Rock

Another sunny 80 degree coming today. That's about 20 degrees above normal! And I need to enjoy it today because tomorrow's high will only be in the 50s.

Heading to Elephant Rock (6255ft elevation) on the Mueller Park Trail. I've been on the trail once during my first Spring 3 years ago. It's a 6.8 miles round trip and around 1100 ft in elevation to Elephant Rock. Most of the elevation is gained at the start of the trail heading up the switchbacks. Once past the switchbacks, the trail follows the contours of the foothills snaking in-n-out through forests and flats until Elephant Rock is reached.

Sunny and 70 degrees when I start around 9:30 crossing the footbridge over the flowing creek. I'm also immediately greeted by my old Spring friend the Glacier Lily. Its the dominant plant all the way to Elephant Rock. In fact, it is basically the only plant in the shady areas except near the Rock where I see a few Spring Beauties and Waterleaf.

I make it through the switchbacks and it opens up to a wonderful view ahead - there's Elephant Rock!

And there's still snow on those rounded peaks in the distance. I turn around for a view towards the valley and the city of Bountiful.

In the open, sunny flats, the Largeleaf and Arrowleaf  Balsamroot are blooming,

as are Groundsel (I think).

Plenty of OregonGrape in bloom too!

In only one section of the flats, I see many many purple blooms of vetch.

I see one Cabbage White early on and go quite a ways when I'm startled by an Anise Swallowtail that flies up right in front of me. (Yes!) Finally, my first Spring butterfly this year! (Commas, Mourning Cloaks don't count as they overwinter and neither do the very common Cabbage White.)

Further along, I see a Painted Lady fly by!

And still further, I see a Mylitta Crescent! Very exciting day so far!!

About a 1/2 mile from the Rock, I start see some snow (just off the trail). The trail is muddy and wet in spots. Here the Glacier Lilies are just poking up through the ground.

I see Moose tracks in the mud.

I finally reach Elephant Rock and get a wonderful view down towards the valley. It's clear; I can see Antelope Island and Stansbury Mts.

I enjoy just the view for a bit before heading down. Here's hoping for more bflies flying. :)

And surprise, my first Sara Orangetip of the year flies by. I also see 2 Sulphers.

I complete the trail and on the way back to my car, I see my first dragonfly of the year. This definitely a Darner and I believe it to be a California Darner (One of the first dragonflies to fly in the Spring.)

I also stop at a small field near my car. I find a few Cabbage White and a very photogenic Mylitta Crescent!

Happy Day!

April 20 - Desolation Trail (Millcreek Canyon)

Hiking the Desolation Trail to Salt Lake Overlook today after work. It's a beautiful sunny day with temps in the low 70s.

It's been about 2 weeks since I've been here, I'm interested in how much snow is left and what flowers are now blooming.

As I head up the trail, I have lots of company (of the flowering kind). The Yellow Glacier Lilies, which hadn't even started to bloom 2 weeks ago, are very prolific along the bottom parts of trail. In fact, some are even past bloom. All the way up the trail to the overlook, there are Lilies. All in various states of bloom or bud. Of course, the higher up and shadier, the more likely to see ones with buds.

Second on the list of blooms are the Spring Beauties. Again, all the way along the trail. Not as nearly as prolific as Lilies but they definitely can't be missed. (Even in parts of the forest, they are blooming.)

And finally, the buttercups. There are only a couple of patches them - but always vibrant.

I do find a couple of Yellowbells and one yellow violet.

I also find what I believe is a Chocolate Lily plant. I found one along the trail last year - it's so delicate my photos were blurry. I need to remember where this single plant is located so I can check on it next time.

To my surprise, I find more Steer's Heads! (yea!) The patches were under snow last time I was here. I see them in 4-5 different spots.

And speaking of the snow, it's basically all gone. There are just two ~100ft stretches of snow-packed trail and a couple 30 footers.

Still very quiet - no birds or squirrels chirping.

But I did see a Comma! A bright orange flying flash ahead on the trail. Fortunately, he stops so I can get a good look.

Before the overlook, Grandeur Peak looks pretty clear now. Might have to give it a try again.

The overlook has an evening hazy view of the valley. To the south along the foothills, still a bunch of snow.

I head up and follow the trail as last time. I see a couple of moths - an orange one and the dark moth w/ white spots (same as before).

I check on the trail as it goes behind the hill; looks pretty clear at least this part. Need to get here earlier so I can follow where it goes.

After a quick rest at the overlook (which I had all to myself), it's time to head back.

Awesome day!

April 12 - Little Cottonwood Canyon Trail

Heading to the Little Cottonwood Canyon Trail today as my after work hike. The next few days have rain in the forecast so no time to wait.

Also, there's a chance I might see a Mountain Goat as the DNR has a viewing day on Saturday - the time is good! The goats come down from the high country during the winter and are sometimes viewable from the mouth of the canyon. It'll be like finding a needle in a haystack I'm sure but its a worth a shot.

Mostly sunny day with puffy clouds and rain showers around; highs in the low 70s.

I'm hoping the lower parking is finally open but unfortunately it's not; so I need to drive up the canyon a few miles to the upper small lot.

But first I stop at the Park-n-Ride at the mouth of the canyon to scan the rock slopes for goats; I didn't find any so I head up the canyon to the upper parking.

I arrive and I head down the hill towards the main trail thru the woods -- love the smell of fresh pine!

Even though there are lots of clouds passing, it's sunny out now. I cross the main trail and start down towards the creek. I didn't get too far when I see Butterflies!!!! There are 2 Satyr Commas. They eventually find each other and chase each other in circles very high into the sky - so nice to see the "dance" again!

I see another Comma as I make it to the creek. The water is flowing pretty fast and loud enough to drown out the cars on the road.

The Spring melt has started! (But the trail is not a running stream yet; but that will be coming soon.)

I see a few Commas flying around the creek.

Not much snow around anymore, but the Spring flowers are not around yet.

On my way back to the main trail, I see those 2 commas again - still dancing in the air. :)

I head downhill first. Along the way, the sun is out and then it disappears over and over again.

Other than the sounds of the creek, the forest is quiet - no bird or squirrel sightings.

I do see some elk/moose scat.

I'm looking along the mountain faces for white dots but finding no goats today.

I've got a good knack for scaring up a few Commas today - many times, they'll just circle around and land basically in the same place - not today. :(

I see also see 2 Mourning Cloaks; they look very fresh!

I make it to the 3rd bridge and my turn around point.

Time to head back.

On the way back, I see a few moths flying -- a white one and a black one with dots. The black one is the same species as I saw while hiking Grandeur Peak the other day. They, like the butterflies, aren't stopping long enough for a decent look.

I also see one lizard poking out from behind a rock.

I get back to the trail to the parking lot but pass it by to head to the end of the trail. Again I scare up a Comma basking on the trail and he's gone - so frustrating!

I arrive at the end of the trail. Last time I was here, I was standing on snow higher than the 3ft high concrete walls; today, the only snow around is near the concrete ruin across the stream. The old building looks like it had a very rough winter.

I make last one stop down by the creek before heading home.

Lovely day!

April 10 - Grandeur Peak (Millcreek Canyon)

Heading to Grandeur Peak today. I don't expect to make it to the peak based on the amount of snow that I saw the other day while on my Desolation Trail/SL Overlook hike. But the trail needs to be climbed and I've already been stopped at both the 1st and 2nd saddle in the past so it's no big deal. (For my reference, last year, I got to the peak on March 27.)

It's not totally sunny but it is around 54 degrees when I start out. The trail heads thru the woods - no flowers blooming here yet except some purple violets - but at least there's no snow or ice on the trail; just muddy in spots. (There is some snow in the woods though.)

I get to the switchbacks leaving the woods (and shade) and heading into scrub oak territory (and hopefully some sun). As I continue to climb, the views of the surrounding mountains appear. Lots of snow on those mountains.

I'm kinda expecting to see many of flowers as the trail has a full southern exposure but unfortunately, it's very early in the Spring progression. The vetch is up but aren't even blooming yet.

However, there are flowers.

I see Waterleaf

Yellow Violets

Many Yellowbells/Yellow Frittilary, OregonGrape, Balloonflowers (just one) and Dandelions.

It's very quiet out - no birds singing or squirrels chirping. Perhaps it's because there really is no sunshine - I don't know.

I finally get a good look at Grandeur Peak -- definitely not heading up today. Target destination is the first saddle.

Finally, on the last stretch to the 1st saddle, I see some Spring Beauties!

I arrive at the saddle and walk to the west side overlooking Salt Lake Valley. Wow! That's a lot of snow! The snow on the west side is about 3 ft tall. I climb on top to get a great look of the valley.

Then I climb the snow-free little "peak" to the north for an even better view of the area. (It's seems that most people are stopping here this morning.)

I stop for a snack before heading back to the saddle.

I checkout the trail up to the 2nd saddle. Initially, it looks pretty clear and then it starts running thru the snow. I'm sure I can make it to the 2nd saddle but will leave that for another day. Time to start heading down.

For most of my hike, it's been cloudy. Of course, now that I'm almost back the sun is coming out - oh well.

As I walk thru the woods, I'm looking for butterflies as the sun is out now but only spot a pretty moth.

Good day, fun hike!

April 8 - Escape from Antelope Island

Heading to Antelope Island today; the plan is to hike up Frary Peak (the highest point on the island). I figure I only have 1 or 2 trips before the swarming biting gnat hatch, so it's time to get up Frary Peak before that happens.

Overcast morning (storms supposed to be coming in tonight/tomorrow) but highs into the low 70s.

I'm excited to hike Frary Peak; it will be my 2nd time. But that excitement is squashed at the park gate when I see the ominous sign reading - Biting Gnats have hatched - Ugh! 

They've arrived before the bflies have even started flying! :(

Well, on wards with the backup plan - I don't have one.

As I drive along the causeway (not far from the entrance), I stunned to see deer running along the south side of the causeway. (I've only ever seen coyote along the causeway before.) They are heading towards the gate. I stop and am even more surprised to see it's a herd of about 20 animals all running east.

I'm not sure why, but they look like they're trying to escape (maybe from those biting gnats).

I want to turn around and follow to see if they make it but they're already freaked out, no reason to add to it so I continue west toward the island. Strange start to the day!

Since I'm now not in the mood to hike (I've been caught on the White Rock Trail last year with swarms of gnats; not really interested in that again.), I decide to take a slow drive down to the Ranch. Perhaps look for bflys on the start of the Sentry Trail - depending on the bug situation.

I turn left towards the ranch and greeted by a 4-5 bison right next to the road. The one is rolling in the dirt, so I have to stop. Love the sound of them ripping the grasses from the ground!

This bison is ready for a nap.

But he can also scratch like a dog.

And clean his hooves.

I move on only to find a Chukkar in the middle of the road. He moves off into the vegetation and I continue along my.

I stop just before first pull-off to check out the view and the bison. In the water, behind the bison, I see several creatures in the water and moving fast.

Definitely too big for birds and not big enough for bison. OK, the strange deer day gets stranger - they are deer! About 6 of them running through the water to shore.

When they get to the shore, they continue to run in my direction.

I loose sight of them because I'm on top of the hill and they're somewhere below out of view.

I move to the pull-off hoping to locate the deer but they are still out of view.

I continue along passing several small herds of bison - some high on the ridges, others on the flats and still others on the shoreline.

For some reason there are lots of horseback riders out and they all have their horses in a trot. I've never seen this many horses on the island - and I rarely see trotting horses here. The strange day continues.

After Frary Peak, I stop to watch 2 pronghorn (male & female) on the lake bed. Doing nothing by standing there. Eventually, they start moving towards the island.

I move on and finally stop at the ranch to check on the Great Horned Owls. I walk back to the area they tend to stay but I can't find any owls. But I do see my first Mourning Cloak of the year!!

I also know where all the horses are coming from. There are bunches of campers/trailers parked on the grounds around the ranch -- must be some horse rider get-to-together.

On the way out, I stop to talk to the DNR guy. He says that they have not figured out where the owls nested this year - they figure it was in the trees a little further south based on where the male has been perched recently. But the male wasn't around earlier this morning (confirmed, I didn't see him either.)

The DNR guy also explained that the horses around are special "long-distance"/endurance horses. The group is out to do 25, 50, 100 mile trots this week-end. They've been coming for over 5 years now; and they travel the country. Nice hobby.

I asked him what was up with the deer today (I told him what I had saw). Of course he didn't know but he did say when he arrives, there's usually 20-30 deer around the ranch, today around 100. Very interesting!

I leave the ranch and I drive down to the Sentry parking and set off for a quick walk to Mushroom Springs. There a some gnats out but not horrible I could hike in this. I complete the walk to Mushroom Springs and back with no butterfly sightings (but several close-up sightings of trotting horses).

I drive back up the island, stopping to see a lone pronghorn very near the road. He is unfazed as I stop my car about 30 ft from him -- he just keeps grazing. And I continue on.

Because there's so few gnats around so far, I drive up to the Frary Peak parking. I'm tempted to hike up to Dooley Knobs. It's a short 1.25 miles so if the bugs were worse here, it wasn't a long hike...but I decide not to try. I'll head over to Bison Point (an even shorter hike).

I see a few more Chukkars along the road on my way to Bison Point.

The view of White Rock Bay is wonderful from the Bison Point parking. I start on up. Again, there are some gnats around but nothing too bad (maybe it's the breeze) -- I'm starting to kick myself for not doing Frary Peak today.

And then I stop to enjoy the view and look at a Phlox (off trail and out of the wind) - I'm not kicking myself anymore, wise decision as there are lots of gnats.

(Note bug splotches on pix.)

But the Phlox is pretty :)

I get back on the trail (out of the bugs) and continue up to the top. I figure the top (fully exposed to the breeze) would be free of bugs. I'm soooo wrong!

But the view is nice.

I stayed for less than a minute and I'm out of there.

Back in my car and heading towards the causeway, I see some white in the distance. It's at least 4 pronghorn behind some vegetation! (I hope the pronghorn stay as visible as they have so far this year as I would like to come in May and finally see a baby.)

I'm just about ready to make my turn on the causeway when I notice 4 deer above the west side of the road. Are these part of the same group of deer running down the causeway earlier? Did they come back?  Or ones that didn't want to participate in the escape attempt earlier this morning?

As I cross the causeway, the water is so calm, I have to stop for some photos. (The bugs are midges - they don't bites but they do swarm.)

Even without a real hike - great (strange) day!

April 7 - Desolation Trail (Millcreek Canyon)

It's light outside longer now so it's time to start heading out after work. Today will be my 1st after work hike of the year. With lots of snow still in the mountains, that leaves the foothills. Today, I'm heading into Millcreek Canyon to hike the Desolation Trail to SLC Overlook.

I found this trail last season and I like it - especially for a quick hike. It's ~2 miles (1250ft) to the Overlook. The trail is a series of switchbacks, mostly thru the woods, and then out to the west facing foothills overlooking the Salt Lake Valley.

Since the trail is on the south side of the canyon (more shady), I'm not sure what the snow situation will be along the way.

Heading up Millcreek canyon, it's pretty clear of snow. But as I turn into the parking area, I'm greeted with snow. Not a lot but snow none the less.

The trail is packed snow/ice at the start but eventually clears for a bit before reaching snow again. This continues the entire way - the trail is definitely more clear than snowy except for the last few switchbacks.

It's still early Spring but the plants are peaking out.

(I think this is Glacier Lily.)

Along the way, I start seeing some flowers. Not patches of flowers, singles mostly but a few with a couple of plants.

Spring Beauty.

Buttercups

Glacier Lilies, these yellow flowers.

And the highlight of the hike; a flower I've only seen in pictures (so this was really exciting), Steer's Head!!!

I see 2 sets of blooms about 1.5 ft from each other!

Before I reach the Overlook, I get a great look at Grandeaur Peak!

I reach the overlook. Such a beautiful day! But the view is evening haze.

To the south, the foothills are still covered in snow.

I've always turned around here but the trail actually continues across the foothills another mile until its intersects Thane Canyon Trail (and then further). Since it's only 4:15, it's time for a bit of exploring.

I thought the trail would continue to climb but once over a short pile of rocks, the trail is level as it moves through the scrub oak. In the leaf litter, I see a few Glacier Lilies (past bloom), Spring Beauties and a tiny patch of Yellowbells.

I'm following the contour to the foothills and I'm heading towards the snow.

There's definitely been moose or elk up here - plenty of sign.

I didn't get but 50-100 yards before the trail crosses behind the foothill and into the shade and snow. Time to call it a day.

On my way back to the overlook, I see a black moth with white spots. I've seen these before; they like to hang around oaks. I see two of them.

I take a short rest at the overlook before heading down.

Pretty lonely trail on the way down, didn't see a single person until I was almost at the parking lot.

Fun day!

April 2 - Sentry Trail

After a week of much needed rain & snow (over 2ft in the mountains), we're getting our 2nd day of sun - high in the mid-60s.

Heading to Antelope Island this morning; I want to hike uphill today but Frary Peak feels like too much today so hiking Sentry Trail for my 2nd visit in a row.

Beautiful morning, sunny and bright. There was frost last night so it's still a bit cool but warming fast - around 48 degrees.

Many mountain reflections along the causeway this morning.

I turn left to head towards the Ranch and immediately see a lone bison behind the Visitor's Center. Just past the bison, I see a light brown bird in the vegetation. I'm thinking Chukkar but I see a long curled beak; it's a Curlew!!! (I've seen these behind the Visitor's Center before.)

A little further along is a group of 4 bison down by the lake bed.

Several small groups (3-5 animals) bison along the way to the Ranch; including way up on a ridge hiding among the rocks.

I've got to say, this is the most water I've seen in the Bay in over a year - still a long way to go.

Along the dirt road to the Sentry Trail's parking area, I see 3 deer near the Bay's dry lake bed.

Many cars in the parking area this morning; I'll have company today.

Because of the frost last night (and the cool, wet weather this week), I'm not expecting to see butterflies (but always hopeful as I saw one 2 weeks ago).

Pretty quiet walk, not many birds singing this morning. Actually, I'm not seeing many birds either - except crows.

Lots of pink flowers - Redstem Stork's Bill.

I do see a few Tiger Beetles on the way but no lizards or other beetles.

I reach the top - such a beautiful day! The yellow flowers of the Spring Parlsey that was prominent along the ridge last time is pretty much gone.

As I cross the ridge towards Sentry Peak. There's a large herd of bison downhill on the west side.

The females should be having their babies soon - little reddish-brown baby bison coming soon! (Exciting!)

On this way down, I see a single lizard and my token white butterfly for the day.

I see my highlight of the day so far; a yellow fritillary (or Yellowbells)!!

It's a sagebrush perennial (from the Lily family) and one of the first bloomers in the Spring. I see only one of them (perhaps there's more that's just not blooming yet).

Driving back up the island, I see a herd of animals (definitely not a bison) walking in the lake bed. It's a some herd of Pronghorn! Not sure why they are out there but they are moving north. They're acting a little skittish as they'll spread out, run, stop, group back up and repeat - all except one pronghorn who walks slowly behind. I wish I knew what they were doing - I didn't see any coyotes.

I head towards the west side of the island for a quick look. I spot 3 more deer hidden in the grasses. (Several cars passed them before me and never stopped.)

Another great day on the island!

But the clock is ticking for the yearly invasion of the biting gnats. Along the causeway, columns of midges are already swirling now; the gnats won't be far behind - but they can't hatch until the butterflies are really out. :)