Sept 11 - Cecret Lake to Germania Pass (Little Cottonwood Canyon)

Beautiful sunny day in the forecast with highs in the 90s in the valley -70s in the mountains.

Heading up Little Cottonwood Canyon to the end of the Summer Rd. My plan is to hike to Cecret Lake (~500ft and ~1 mile). And then up above the lake and onto Germania Pass (1.75 mi and 1100 ft). I've done this hike before and it's fabulous.

Driving up the canyon, the colors are awesome! Much better than Big Cottonwood.

I arrive around 8:30 and there's still plenty of parking available. It's still in the 40s but I keep the fleece in the pack because I know I'll be in the sun very soon (and that means warmth).

I head up the trail. Soon the views of Devil's Castle in the morning sun comes into view - always a pleasant sight to see!

There are a few flowers still blooming at +9400ft - the purple asters (of course) but there's a few paintbrush and lupine too! And some yellow composites. Lots of color in the vegetation - yellows, reds, brown adding this morning's color scheme.

The views (Devils Castle, Sugarloaf Peak, the Albion Basin) are all wonderful!

I reach the switchbacks to the lake and start my way up.

I reach the Cecret Lake.

Not many folks here yet - just a group of folks doing yoga on the rocks.

I make my way slowly around the lake (just taking it all in). I reach the other side and find the little side trail that will take me up the rocky hillside above Cecret Lake.

At the top, I head west towards the ski cat road to Germania Pass. There's a Marmot on the road ahead of me!

There's a trail that heads up the mountain thru the white yarrow. It's shorter and steeper than taking the road but I'm up for that today. (The trail walks under the Sugarloaf Mt ski lift.)

I do find fresh moose scat so I keeping alert. This is awesome area for a moose - big valley, good cover and lots of willows (and good Fall color).

My trail ends at a freshly groomed dirt that's been re-planted. I know I can continue up but I'm not walking in an area that's under re-vegetation so I make my way back to the road and continue up the switchbacks to a ski lift.

Love love the scenery!

I reach the ski lift (@ 10,400ft); time to check out the views from the edge of the lift.

This is not Germania Pass, it's still up the road another 1/4-1/2 mile. I start my way up towards the Sugarloaf Lift and Germania Pass.

It's amazing that I'm above 10,400 ft and there are more flowers now than at the lower altitudes. (Asters, Thistles, Yarrow.....)

And one yellow composite in the middle of the road.

And there are butterflies - Coppers

and Field Crescents!

I continue towards Sugarloaf and the Sugarloaf Lift.

I reach a very rocky section under Bald Mountain. There's a Marmot crossing the road!

And I can hear both Pika and Marmots. I can't find the Pikas!

Lovely views towards the Basin.

Before I arrive at the Sugarloaf Lift, I reach Germania Pass (10,520 ft). I can still see int the Albion Basin and south & west. Mt Timpanogos is looking fine this morning.

As is the backside of the Snowbird Resort.

The Snowbird Tram is running this morning!

The Pass is where the Alta and Snowbird Resort "meet".

I look around for a bit before starting my way down.

On the way down, I find those Coppers again.

And a Frit!

I decide to follow the road down, taking one last look up towards Bald Mt

And one detour to a spot above Cecret Lake that's definitely worth the small trip.

I continue down the road until I reach a trail heading down to Cecret Lake.

Lots of people around the lake now - glad I'm heading for my car.

Great day!