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!