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!