Sunday, August 21, 2016

Aug 20 - Lofty Lake (Uintas Mt)

Heading to different territory for today - the Unitas Mountains to the east.

Sunny day predicted with a high of 88 in the valley but the high in the Uintas is around 66 - a nice cool temperature at 10,000+ft.

I got company today, my nephew is in town and along for the hike: Lofty Lakes (10,800ft).

It was a fun drive showing him points of interest along the way: Hot Air balloons near Park City, the Jordanelle Reservoir, Mt Timpanogos, and the windy drive up the Mirror Lake Scenic Hwy.

Unfortunately, there was a big bike race along the Hwy which made the trip very slow as we were behind lots of bikes. We get around a pack of them, drive normal speeds for a while and then there's another pack. I'd hate to admit it, but it was very frustrating.

By the time we arrive at Bald Mt Pass viewpoint (the high point of this road trip), we had passed all but the elite riders and they were easy to get by as they rode single file (instead of the gang mentality of the slower riders). We stop at the viewpoint for a quick look around and then head to Mirror Lake.

It's a windy day so the lake was not a "mirror" (as I've seen in prior trips) but still beautiful with the mountains in the background.

There are lots of kayakers on the lake this morning and one guy swimming in the water -- brrr, it was 38 degrees here last night.

We start the 1 mile loop from the west end but we were quickly greeted by a Trail Closed sign - trail reconstruction happening.

So we try the east side and make it a couple 100 yards before we are greeted by the other Trail Closed sign which we expected.

Oh well, time to head to the Pass Lake Trail parking to start the Lofty Lake hike. The hike is a loop of about 4 miles and 900ft of elevation. The lake sits at 10,800ft nestled between two mountains. I was here last July - it's a wonderful place and awesome hike.

When we arrive at the parking, all the spots were already taken but we did find parking along the edges of the dirt road. And then we start the hike in the counterclockwise direction.

The trail heads thru the pine forest at a gradual incline. Lots of rocks of various sizes along the trail. The landscape is so pretty.

Surprisingly at this altitude, there are still purple asters and white yarrow blooming.

We arrive at the first smaller lake that attaches to the larger Scout Lake. There's a family of Mallards on the lake.

And then continue to the larger Scout Lake. Along the way, I see a Hoary Comma (I actually see the shadow of him flying first before I actually locate him).

Scout Lake is beautiful this morning.

Along the trail now, there are Hairbell in bloom.

Boy, am I feeling the altitude today (I did from the start). I'm not sure why because I hike at 8000-9000 ft normally. And I had no problems at Great Basin National Park which is 10,000+ ft.

Now the trail starts to climb a little steeper and starts to open up. Views of Scout Peak and Reids Peak are emerging from the trees.

And a little further, part of the Uinta basin.


In one section, there are tons of yellow composites still blooming. And I count 6 Milbert's Tortoiseshells nectaring on those flowers.

The trail flats, make a quick trip thru some pines and then we are looking down on Lofty Lake.

We make our way to the far side of the lake to find a spot to have lunch.

Along the edge of the lake, there are wonderful dark blue Mountain Gentians in bloom

along with some purple asters.

We head to the 2nd smaller lake/pond but it's all dried up -- just a seasonal pond.

Then find a nice spot to have lunch.

Milbert's Tortoiseshells flying here as well.

Time to start finishing the loop which includes heading down several narrow switchbacks with incredible views of the area below!

Once down the switchbacks, we head down a little further to a large meadow that is filled with flowers in the summer but now it is mostly brown except those dark blue gentians.

Then it's down to Kamas Lake.

A walk below the small old dam (the Fireweed are blooming here)

Before continuing downward.

I see a Purplish Copper!

We pass a couple of dry seasonal ponds and a Fritillary (I think a Great Basin Frit).

Before arriving at Reids Meadow with Scout Peak and Reid Peak in the background.

The trail follows Reids Meadows for some time before it veers off to the parking area.

Have to say for only a 4 mile hike, I'm pretty exhausted - it's the altitude! :)

Awesome day and it was so fun to have company!

No comments:

Post a Comment