Sept 27 - Desolation Lake (to Wasatch Crest)

Took the day off today to make my yearly Fall hike to Desolation Lake in Big Cottonwood Canyon and then extend the hike another 1/2 mile to reach the Wasatch Crest. The Crest is the ridge of the Wasatch Mountains that separates Big Cottonwood and Park City (i.e., the Wasatch Back).

In total the hike is 3.5 miles and 1900ft (9280ft) to Desolation Lake and another 1/2 mile and 500 feet to the Crest.

Sunny morning. The colors near the trail head will be good just not sure what they will be around the lake. And will there still be snow around?

Cool morning when I start. Lots of yellow aspen around but they are all in the shade. Will be much "brighter" on the way out.

I do spot a few Purple Asters and one Geranium in bloom.

I'm almost at the Dog Lake or Desolation Lake trail split -- looks like it will be a very colorful day!

At the split, I start the remaining 1.9 miles of the hike.

Getting glimpses of snowy mountains to the south as I head thru the forest.

I pass thru a beautiful meadow.

There's still a bit of snow along shady southern edges of the meadow.

Then a bit more uphill - there are moose tracks along the side of the trail heading in the opposite direction.

Soon I see some snowy mountains views nearby but the view down canyon are so much better!

I pop out of the trees and enter another very colorful meadow - my hopes for color at the Lake are getting higher.

And there's a little snow along the trail.

But when I arrive at the  Desolation Lake meadow, I'm a little disappointed as most of the trees have already dropped their leaves. :(

But the area is still so beautiful! Especially with the snow!

I make my way to the lake.

And then circle the lake.

After completing the loop, I start my way up the hill and thru the trees to the Wasatch Crest.

When I get to the Crest and turn around - wow! There's so much color - so pretty!

This is exactly why I come here in the Fall.

I make my along the Crest to get a better view of Desolation Lake below.

I can't believe how much snow are on the mountains!

I turn and look down towards Park City - amazing!

It's so clear I can see the snowy Uinta Mountains to the east.

I see a Milbert's Tortoiseshell flying along the ridge.

I then make my way back to my lunch spot on the ridge. Can't pick a better spot with amazing views in both directions.

Time to head back down.

Much brighter Fall colors as I make my way down.

I see a Mourning Cloak and Mylitta Crescent on my way back.

Wonderful day!