Going to attempt to get to Twin Lakes Pass. Last year I was blocked by construction (trails closed) so I should have a shot it today. The blocker will be snow because even with all the warm temps, there was a lot of snow above 9500ft and if the trail is in the shade, it'll still be there. But definitely worth a shot.
Lots of people heading up the canyon today; trail heads are packed. Doesn't anyone work on Fridays? :)
I arrive at the Silver Lake parking and I have to park in overflow lot. Probably means there'll be a lot of folks at Twin Lakes ;(
Its so much nicer up here; it was 91 in the valley and a cool 70 degrees here. Cloudy day so there's no sun to make it feel even warmer. But there is a nice wind blowing.
I start around in the counterclockwise direction.
The pussy willows are in full bloom.
A Satyr Comma flies lands on the path in front of me.
I arrive at my turn-off seeing a single lonely male Mallard. Where are the Mallards this year?
I head up to the ridge that crosses over Silver Lake. Bluebells, Ballonflowers, Oregon Grape, and Baneberry are in bloom. Lots of other flowering plants getting ready.
I arrive at the ridge -- it's snow free! However, there is snow on the far side - the shady slopes.
Still a nice view though.
As I cross the rocky area, I'm listening for Pika chirps but nothing. However, below I do see a Pika sitting on the rocks.
A few steps further and there's another Pika.
Finally, I hear something chirping; it's a chipmunk on the rocks above me.
Still further along the ridge, I see a Marmot on the rocks below.
Lots of life on the rocks today - Pika, Chipmunks and Marmot!! I like that!
After crossing the ridge, I start heading uphill towards the dam. I take the trail instead of the rocky road as it's just easier to walk (less rocky) even though it's a bit steeper in spots. The trail is snow-free but the road has a couple of snowy spots left.
Now blooming are those little white flowers I've been seeing lots of places and Glacier Lilies.
I see many ground squirrels running around.
Finally, get my first glimpse that I'm nearing the dam.
I arrive at Twin Lakes; there's still some ice near the dam but the rest of the lake is open.
The lake is still lower than a couple of years ago when Twin Lakes looked like a big single lake. However, the 2 lakes are combined and not separated which is good.
The only snow still on the ground is on the far side of the lake under the mountains.
I don't spend much time at the lake as my goal is higher up -- hopefully to Twin Lake Pass and if not, as high as I can get safely.
As I make my way to the upper trail, I see a white butterfly flying. It appears to be a Western White (though it could be a Checkered White).
I continue up the dirt trail heading for the dirt ski road that heads up to the Summit Express Lift (10,050sh ft). Along the dirt trail, I see a little flutter on the trail; it's a Sheridan's Hairstreak!!!
I reach the road and continue thru the wooded area (it'll open up again soon). I see/hear tree squirrels on this section.
Soon the views open up again and I reach a turnoff that heads down to Lake Solitude. Maybe I'll take that way back on my way down.
Just after that turn-off, there's an off-trail spot with an awesome view of Twin Lakes. I've reach some snow on the road now which I have to walk thru it, then a small snow-free hill to get to the view. Not bad!
On the way back to the road, I spot this little pink'sh flower hugging a rock.
This is the furthest I've even been so the rest is uncharted territory.
The hillside to my left is getting taller (obscuring the view of the lake below) and snowier. The trail is a combination of snow, mud (with or without a water down it) or clear road.
Along the way, I see another Western White flying.
Finally, I can see the ski lift -- almost there!
The views are getting better now.
As I crest to the ski lift, wow!
The mountains are right there! They are so close I can't back up far enough to capture the full effect. I definitely wasn't expecting this!
I have arrived at the Summit Express (10, 035 ft) - which is ironically a whole 10ft higher than Twin Lakes Pass which is at 9993 ft.
I walk to the other side of the lift and there are awesome views of Twin Lakes about 500 ft below.
I start down this little trail (still hoping to get to the Pass) and see a bunch of Buttercups in bloom!
I also come to what may be the end of the "road" for me as the trail comes to a section with snow on the uphill side, about 10-15ft of sloped wet rock and then steep snow on the downhill side. On the other side is a clear trail. I can probably make it across but not that comfortable with it -- fear is really triggering an avalanche. This adventurous side says I'll be fine but the practical side says it'll be there for another day. The practical side wins. (Looking at my photos, I'm kicking myself but then looking at a photo is not the same as being there.)
On the way back to the lift, I notice this dark red blooming with the Buttercups.
Time to head back down.
At one point, I see a marmot running down below.
The Western White is still flying.
I arrive at the turnoff to Solitude Lake. I take one last look at Twin Lakes and continue my way downhill to Lake Solitude.
A few spots of snow covered road on the way down to the lake but mostly clear.
And a few deer tracks in the mud.
Lake Solitude looks a little lower in water than I remember and not so impressive as it did the first time I saw it. I'm sure the construction around the lake last year doesn't help the appearance as there's still much to re-vegetate.
But there are nice flowers blooming along the shore.
Time to continue back to Visitor's Center.
Along the way a see a doe. She watches me for a few seconds before continuing to feed.
I'm almost back to Silver Lake when I see doe #2 for the day. She's about 10 feet off the trail as I pass. (Definitely, very comfortable around people.)
I arrive at Silver Lake and head to complete the loop around the lake.
I do see 2 more Mallards (both males) as I make my way around. Lots of people fishing around (and in) the lake.
In the wetland section of the trail, the Shooting Stars are blooming!
And some Lily of the Valley!
The Horsetail are just coming up.
Awesome day!
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