June 7 - Desolation Trail to SLC Overlook (Millcreek Canyon)

I had no plans on hiking after work today but the perfect opportunity presented itself so I'm heading out to Millcreek Canyon to hike the Desolation Trail (SL Overlook). It been several weeks since I've last been up there so it's a good choice.

Its sunny and hot. It's close to 90 degrees which is much cooler than the record breaking 97 degrees from yesterday. But the trail is mostly shady so it shouldn't be too bad.

As I drive up the canyon to the trail head, there are Two-Tailed Swallowtails flying across the road.

I park and head up the trail. The lower parts of the trail are definitely drying out but some of the Solomon's Seal blooms are still hanging on.

I definitely missed the mass bloom on the Heart-leafed Arnica. :( Only a few still blooming.

In the drier sunnier sections, I do see some a few Sweet Pea, Roses, Purple Larkspur, Wild Onion, Forget-Me-Nots, bright yellow Balloonflowers and Beardtongue.

In rockier sections, another species of Beardtongue with a tiny blue flower is blooming.

However, along most of the trail, the shrubs are in full bloom and they do smell awesome!

There is a section where the Thimbleberries are blooming.

The wooded areas, the ground is full of green vegetation; though except some Solomon Seals, no other blooms yet.

I pass an inchworm hanging by his invisible thread alongside the trail.

About 1/2 way up, I spot 2 Clodius Parnassians flying over the flowering shrubs -- one of my favorite butterflies.

On the final leg to the top, I see 2-tailed Swallowtails, a Pale Swallowtail and more Clodius flying on the hillside above me.

I arrive at the overlook to the always nice view over the sunny valley. I stop for a quick look and start heading back down.

Not far from the top, I see an Orange flyer; it's a Northern Crescent.

A 2-tailed Swallowtail lands on some of the flowers but flies again as I get closer.

A little further down, I see a Spring Azure.

There's a nice cool breeze blowing which feels awesome as I make my way down.

Nice hike!