Sept 9 - Dog Lake (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

Beautiful day today - sunny with highs in the low 70s in the valley. The plan today is to head to Desolation Lake (3.5 miles - 1980ft one way) from the Mill D North Trail head. I want to see Fall colors and although I'm skeptical about the potential for colors on this trail, a friend told me it was good so it's worth the shot. If it's not good (in my opinion), Dog Lake (2.25 miles 1420 ft) is my backup.

Crisp morning as it was 49 degrees at my house. The trail head, at around 9am, was still in the low 50s - not too bad. Many bikers in the parking area as they had just finished their morning ride of the trails. (Not all were done though - I had to pull-off the trail for about 6 riders near the beginning.)

The ground vegetation is browning up as expected. Plants are all in seed other than a few purple asters - I did see a couple of Red Paintbrush and Geraniums hanging on.

The trail is in the morning sun but the other side of the the valley is still in the shade.

I reach the stream and it's still flowing. I now have musical company on the trail - a gurgling stream.

Looking for moose or deer but not lucky today.

The aspen have not started changing and there are no pops of color in valley - maybe in a week or two.

So when I reach the Dog Lake vs Desolation Lake fork, I head up to Dog Lake.

I'm seeing those familiar yellow/red race markers along the trail, I bet in addition to the Big Cottonwood Canyon marathon on Sat, the Wasatch 100 Endurance Run is coming thru Fri/Sat as well.

With the lack of rain this summer, I was expecting to see a mud hole for the lake but after climbing the hill, I am happily surprised to a lake! (A low lake but definitely still a lake.)

I take the trail around the lake. I see a few Darner flying on the far side of the lake.

I complete the loop and start the trek back down.

Hearing a lot more squirrel/chipmunk chatter on the way down.

Also, see folks hauling gear/supplies up to Desolation Lake for the run's aide station. Some are carrying cups or big bags of chips but other have huge backpacks (one guy had a huge pack and was hugging a large water cooler).

The best views today are on the other side of the parking area (Kessler Peak and others).

I'm almost at the parking lot when I see a Mylitta Crescent!

And a little farther down, a Field Crescent!

Good day!