My plan is to head up to Twin Lakes to see a perfect combo of snow and Fall colors. If things feel good, I'm going to try to make it to Twin Lakes Pass for the first time. That is IF I can find the trail (after 2 missed attempts to find the trail this year, I'm hoping 3 is a charm today.) The Pass is about 1 mile farther and 500 higher in elevation than the Lakes (9993 ft).
Chilly morning (40s in the valley) but very sunny. As I head up the canyon, I'm not sure where the snow will actually start but I'm watching. I pass the Mill D South trail head, no snow on the ground but the peaks (Kessler, etc) are so beautifully snow covered.
It isn't until I reach the ski resorts at the head of the canyon before I see more snow covered peaks! It's just after 9am and there's still plenty of parking at Silver Lake (but filling up fast).
It's sunny and a crisp 33 degrees.
I walk around the Visitor's Center to this awesome view!
As I walk around the right side of the meadow, there's still frost in the shadier spots. The boardwalk is icy but not snow covered.
I reach the little bridge
And then continue around.
I reach the Twin Lakes trail and start my way up thru the aspen. The snow/rain did cause many of the leaves to fall as the trail is covered with yellow leaves and some of the trees are bare. But there's still plenty of leaves on the trees for a beautiful walk.
I reach the ridge and start to cross. Several Pikas calling this morning. I manage to get a good look at one that is sitting on the edge of the trail.
The views of Silver Lake below are really nice this morning.
The uphill portion to Twin Lakes is a bit snowy/icy. I usually take the steeper but less rocky dirt path but it's still covered in snow, so I take the rocky road.
Definitely, not quiet a morning as all the snow laying on the branches is melting. Lots of dripping noises. And there's also rustling of vegetation as clumps of snow crash to the ground.
I reach the dam.
And head around it. Surprised to see I'm the only one around to enjoy these wonderful views.
And make my way thru about 6 inches of snow to my favorite "perch" above the Lakes.
Around a rocky formation, I see footprints in the snow heading up to a ridge. Maybe that's the trail I'm looking for, maybe not. But it's worth a try. I head up the little hill and when I get to the top, BINGO! I've found the trail up to the Pass!!!
I start across the snow covered trail following the footprints and enjoying the incredible views of the lakes and surrounding area along the way!!
My destination: Twin Lakes Pass is right in front of me.
After about a 1/4-1/2 mile thru the snow, I arrive at the Pass. It's so beautiful looking down on Twin Lakes (if only the electrical lines weren't in the way).
I turn the other way for a fantastic view down Little Cottonwood Canyon! I can see the Oquirrh Mts across the valley too!
It's a bit windy up here so I dig in my pack for my jacket so I can enjoy my efforts to get here.
Time to start my way back down thru the snow.
And then back down to the road.
I reach the Lake Solitude intersection and think about taking the trail past Lake Solitude on the way back but decide to just head back the way I came.
There are several people at the Lakes now and many more on their way up.
One last look down on Silver Lake
Before heading down to complete the loop around the lake.
Awesome day! And what a day for my first trip to Twin Lakes Pass!
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