July 10 - Lambs Canyon

Sunny day on the Wasatch front today. A bit cooler than the 100 degrees yesterday at a high of 89 today. Part of me wants to head to the mountains but I'm wanting a shorter trail today - around 4 miles. I can't find what I want so I decide to visit an old friend - Lambs Canyon (1.75 miles one way & 1500ft). I haven't spend much time on this trail the last two years as they moved a portion of the trail away from a beautiful creek -- guess you can say I've been protesting the move. But up until that point, it was one of my favorites.

I visited earlier this year when there was still a bunch of snow on the upper parts of trail and many winter dead fall logs laying across the trail. That hike was quite the adventure. I'm sure the snow is gone and hopefully, the trail is clear of logs as well.

I arrive around 9:30am A couple years ago, this wasn't a very busy trail; today, there are already 4 cars in the small parking lot.

Before I start, I check for butterflies in the muddy areas. I scare one Weidemeyer's Admiral and I see a Western Swallowtail in the water/mud. The Swallowtail looks like he might be dead so I get a little closer - oops, not dead just flying away!

Along the road, there are several Swallowtails and Weidemeyer's Admirals flying.

I cross the road. At the trail head sign, there's a new sign posted warning of potential black bears. The bear must be moving into the area.

As I cross the bridge, I see a  Great Spangle Frit,  Cabbage White, and a Northern Checkerspot (off to a good start).

Off I go into the woods. Still lots of green even without much rain falling in the last month or so. Those summer afternoon showers haven't arrive yet unfortunately.

As I proceed up the trail, I quickly remember why I enjoyed this trail so much - the vegetation that overgrows the trail. Today, it's mostly Thimbleberry and Wild Gernaniums (ok, and Cow Parsnip too). Love the feel on the legs and arms as I go  down the trail.

Still mostly shaded thanks to the tree leaves but there are sunnier spots.

I'm seeing butterflies - not a lot of them - but they are flying.

Maybe there will be more on the way down as it should be sunnier.

Also, the Monkshood is in bloom

as well as the Lupine.

I see a small bright orange skipper -- it's a Taxiles Skipper.

Hey! They've cleared the dead fall! And they've blocked off the old trail (I went down this way earlier in the year) and completed the "connector" spur between the old riverside trail and the new upper trail.

Away from the stream, I'm seeing Wild Hollyhock, more Geranium, and Cow Parsnip.

As far as butterflies, I see Russet's Skipperling,

Mustard White and some Frits (I'm horrible at ID'ng them).

After crossing to the other side of the canyon, I see Red Paintbrush,

White Columbine and Tall Jacob's Ladder blooming.

I reach the top - what a beautiful clear morning over the Salt Lake Valley!

Up top, I see a Pale Swallowtail,

A Western Swallowtail,

A Frit (I think a Mormon Frit)

And Weidemeyer's Admiral.

Time to head back down. Many people heading up now.

The Clodius Parnassians are flying.

As are the Lilac Bordered Coppers, a Western Tailed Blue and more Frits.

When I get back to the parking, I check the mud puddle again - so many Swallowtails enjoying the mud!!

I also see Weidemeyer's Admiral and a California Tortoiseshell (I never seen these here before).

I proceed down the road to a section where water crosses the road. Many Swallowtails here too! I also see another CA Tortoiseshell and an American Lady (I believe this is the 1st one I've seen in UT - usually see the Painted Lady). I hold up some cars heading down the canyon taking the photo of the American Lady - sorry. At least I didn't get honked at.

The cars are scaring up many Swallowtails -- flashes of flying yellow - looks so beautiful.

Also, along the road are Russet's Skippers and a Spring Azure.

I check in the grasses near the parking lot/bathroom and find a Behr's Hairstreak.

Wonderful day and a great visit to an old "friend".