Aug 4 - Silver Lake, Lake Solitude, Twin Lakes Loop (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

After 8 straight days in the 100s, we get a break with temps only near 90 today. Time for an after work hike.

Want something shady so I'm heading up Big Cottonwood Canyon to do the Silver, Solitude, Twin Lakes loop.

Canyon is pretty empty this afternoon. Last time I went after work to Silver Lake, I was in the backup parking lot, today, plenty of spots in the main lot (yea)!

Start counter-clockwise (as usual) heading to the trail - lake looking good as usual.

And start my way thru the woods to Lake Solitude. Looks like flower season is pretty much over. :(

Lots of bloomed out flowers along the trail. The only flowers in bloom are purple and white asters

 and Fireweed.

There's still others hanging on in spots including geraniums, paintbrush, etc but they're mostly done.

I arrive at Lake Solitude, take a quick look around (there's a family of ducks on the lake) and start heading up to Twin Lakes.

As I head around the lake, there are some purple flowers blooming and I find a Frit nectaring.

Up, up I go. (I see one other Frit along the way.)

Not a bad view of Lake Solitude down below.

I finally arrive above Twin Lakes.

And am greeted by a squawking Grey Jay.

I decide to head down to the Lake this time. On the way down, still lots of blooming flowers.

I see a few Painted Ladies, a Blue Copper and more Frits.

I make it down to the dam and find a nice shady spot for my sandwich. (Surprised there's no one at the lake.)

After a long dry summer, Twin Lakes still looks like a single lake! Very nice to see as the last two summers, they were clearly distinct lakes due to low water.

Time to make my way down thru the flowers (these are bloomed out).

I reach the ridge above Silver Lake and start making my way across.

 I see a Marmot hanging out on the rocks.

I walk by him and soon see another marmot - just for a moment.

I arrive at Silver Lake and complete the loop around the rest of the lake.

Lovely evening!