Mar 10 - Bryce Canyon

Heading to southern UT today for a change of scenery. And Bryce Canyon is a great start. I haven't been there in 3 years and I've never been during the winter (which is why I'm heading there). I'm not sure what to expect as Bryce is at 8000+ ft and southern UT received a bunch of snow early in the season but as with the Salt Lake area, warm temps and little snow dominated Feb - I don't know how much snow (if any) to expect. So off I go armed with winter gear (snowshoes, YakTraks, insulated boots) and regular hikers and shorts.

It's a sunny day and it's supposed to be around 50 degrees at Bryce Canyon.

I see my 1st bfly this season -- it was large and looked dark but that's all I could tell as it was crossing the hwy as I sped by. I can't image what it could be except perhaps a Monarch/Viceroy.


I see another butterfly as I turn onto Hwy 12 outside Panguitch towards Bryce Canyon. This one looked black - the only black bflies I know don't fly here. Hmmmmm???

Well there's definitely not a lot of snow around here except in the shady spots.

I pass Red Canyon (tomorrow's destination) and then pass by the Bryce Canyon entrance as I head to my first stop, Mossy Cave - actually it's grotto created by an underground spring.

Mossy Cave is roadside stop between Bryce and Tropic UT. I was there 4-5 yrs ago in Sept; cute little trail leading to a very green, moss covered opening with water dripping from the ceiling (hence the name, Mossy Cave). In the winter, the dripping water is suppose to form huge ice formations (ice stalagmites and stalactites). I'm hoping to see that - if it hasn't melted by now :)

The scenery around the cave is much like that of the lower section of Bryce Canyon as it is on the edges of the park.

When I arrive there's only a couple of cars in the parking area. I take the beautiful little hike along a stream bed towards the cave. The stream is running but the flow is low - very nice to listen to though. 

The trail crosses two bridges and along the way I see to waterfalls - both just trickles of water.

I arrive at the cave. Yes! There's ice! Very tall formations! (And an iced over small tree.) Very cool!!

Now I can head happily to Bryce Canyon. On the way back, I hear dried leaves moving around. I look for the source; under a tree scratching around in the leaves is a Spotted Towhee.

On wards to Bryce Canyon.

My first stop is Sunset Point. Unfortunately, there is no snow on the formations as I hoped but there is some snow around - and hey, it's still amazingly pretty.

I head down to the "Amphitheater" (the canyon bottom) on the Navajo Loop trail. Typically, this is combined with the trail up thru "Wall Street" but that stretch is closed so I'll combine it with the Queen's Garden trail to complete my loop ending at Sunrise Point (approx. 2.9 miles).

The trail down is for the most part clear - a few areas of mud and I remember only one small section of packed snow (a few steps in length). There's still snow in shady cracks and crevices -- the whole way is just beautiful.

This time, I make it a point acknowledge seeing Thor's Hammer! I've past it on previous trips without realizing it but this time I make sure I notice it!

I reach the "bottom" and make a very short detour to the 2 bridges

And then turn left to go up the Queen's Garden Trail.

Although I saw many people heading up and down the Navajo Trail, I see only few people on the Queen's Garden Trail (I guess going down and then back up Navajo is the people's choice of the day; but they are so missing out!) 

Along the way, I see some chipmunks and a Stellar's Jay.

As I head up from the bottom, there are incredible views every direction and they only get better as I climb.

And 3 tunnels to pass thru!

Can't forget, Balanced Rock.

The views out to the east are so clear - I can see for miles!

Awesome hike!

As I walk back to Sunset Point (and my car), I notice this one hardy tree hanging on with fully exposed roots.

Now it's time to hopefully find some snow at the highest point of the park (9100ft) at Rainbow Point. I do run into snow as I drive up; seems like about 3ft remaining along some portions of the drive nearing Rainbow Point.

In the Rainbow Point parking area, there's a good amount of snow; the Bristlecone Trail is still buried.

The views are good.

But personally, I think Sunset and Sunrise Points have the best views. (Bryce Point would be next.)

On the way down, I stop at all of the viewpoints including the Natural Bridge.

There's a chipmunk laying on a small rock basking in the remaining sunlight while enjoying the views of the bridge too!

On the way out of the park, I see 4 deer heading near the road. In fact, 2 of them cross in front of me. I carefully leave the other 2 still eating very near my car.

A nice ending to end awesome day!

Mar 3 - White Pine Lake Trail (Little Cottonwood Canyon)

Today will be my first attempt to get to White Pine Lake in the winter. It'll be a partly sunny day in the mid-50s (even in the mountains). And since we really haven't had much snow since the end January, the trail should be packed (at least part of the way) and most importantly, the avalanche danger is very low.

To be honest I have no idea how far I will get - once I can't find a decent trail or I starting sinking above my shins with every step, it's time to turn around.

The lower parts of Little Cottonwood are starting to look a bit snow-free now -- mostly depending if the area is in the shade or sun. Bet I can find some bflies (Commas, Mourning Cloaks) on the Little Cottonwood trail if I walk it today.

But there is plenty of snow at the White Pine Trail head (7700ft) and a good number of folks already out at about 9:30am. I gear up and head out - not needing a jacket or fleece this morning as it's already 54 degrees.

I start my hike on nice hard-packed snow.

I can hear water running from the stream I'm approaching. Wow! The footbridge has over 3 ft of snow on it; anymore the snow will be over the railings!

Along the stream there are some really deep piles snow!

I continue on towards the Red and White Pine Trail split about 0.8 miles ahead.

I reach split. There's a creek here but I can't hear the running water as it's covered in feet of snow. If I were to continue to Red Pine (which seems to be the popular spot with X-country skiers this morning (6 of them)) I would cross over the snow-covered creek. I'm not going that way but I walk over for a look. There are 2 big deep holes in the snow - below, the running creek!

Time to head the other direction towards White Pine Lake. I know the trail now heads up a couple of switchbacks to a viewpoint at 1.4 miles. But what I didn't realize was what the switchbacks look like covered in deep snow. It is not a nice level trail cutting flat through the steep mountain side. Nope, it is sloping very narrow path that makes one walk funny (one foot uphill, one foot downhill) in hopes of not slipping/sliding while trying to get across. Kinda freaky stuff for me - but I made it up them (whew)! Not looking forward to crossing that again on the way back.

At the viewpoint (1.4 miles) the views are pretty nice down canyon. I can see across the Salt Lake valley to the Oquirrh Mountains - clear as day (no inversion).

The final switchback after the viewpoint is actually wider, less steep and I don't mind crossing. I can see a nice round-top mountain in front of me.

The trail finally turns southwest and flattens as it starts heading thru woods and openings. It's really pretty!

It's very quiet out but finally, I actually wake-up some wildlife -- squirrels. I can't see them but there are at least 3. The one starts calling to my left as I pass. It stops and another to my right starts. He stops and one ahead of me starts. Then its back to the one on my left. When I pass, it's quiet again.

I exit the woods to a little meadow with some open water.

Then back into the woods again. I exit into a bigger meadow (with lots of hills), I've got the views of mountains that I was hoping for today - Wow!

I continue along. Many more "trails" now from back country skiers. A little more difficult to find the "right" trail but I move towards those wonderful mountains.

I'm now stopped by the hills in front of me - basically the trail is ended - but I decide to follow a ski track (it's pretty solid, not sinking very deep) up a hill to see what the views are from up there.

Not too shabby!

I probably shouldn't continue but I want to see what's up the next hill. I continue to the next set of hills.

I can take the high route or a bit lower route. I try the high route which wasn't bad until the section rounding the hill. I take a couple steps and then end up post holing. Thank goodness for hips as I have no idea how much farther I would've sank. :) (There's still an 80+ inch base at the resorts.) Since I am already sitting, I spin, carefully get myself up (don't want the other leg to sink too - that would be really funny) and decide to turn back -- at least I tried.

I get down and then decide to try the less high route. I make it up and round the hill - again, Wow! Best views of the day!

I've had a great day; seen incredible views, and I think I've pushed as far I feel safe so it's time to head back. I just follow my tracks back to the main trail. Not a bad view heading back to the trail head either.

As I head down, I see a white ermine (weasel) scurry across the trail ahead. He stops and I can see his little head looking at me behind a pile of snow. Then he disappears.

I have lunch near that spot in hope he would show himself again. He never shows so I continue on.

Awesome, incredible day!

Feb 28 - White Rock Trail (Antelope Island)

Today, sun and dirt win out over sun and snow again -- I'm liking Spring-like weather (and warm feet) this week. Heading back to Antelope Island to walk the White Rock Trail.

Sunny and 44 when I start. We reached almost 70 yesterday but today will be a little cooler due to a weak cold front passing during the night -  still, May-like temps though.

There is a small herd of bison near the turn off to Bison Point.

When I arrive at the trail head, the parking is already pretty full. Lots of people out enjoying the morning.

Along the fence are several Western Meadowlarks belting out their song.

Inside the fence between the two trails is a herd of 6 bison. They are grazing but they are also on the move.

In the distance to the east, there is another small herd of bison laying in the grasses.

As I near the start of the upper loop, I hear lots of Chukkars calling from different locations. I finally see 1 on top of a rock.

And second one appears.

As I near, they disappear and the calls quiet.

That weak storm really cleared up the valley haze as the mountains are so clear today (now if only those weak storms can drop some precipitation).

From the ridge looking east:

I see 5 bison in the White Rock valley below.

I take the inside loop again -- I actually like it better than the outside loop -- but I'm also trying to get away from a lot of the traffic - lots of bikes out today!!! (It's a failed attempt though.)

I'm keeping an eye out for signs of Spring. It takes awhile but I start to see a few Tiger Beetles but only in one short stretch of trail. And then I see the black beetles - these are different from the ones on Sentry Trail and there are lots of them

 I finally see a small lizard - the only one today.

I'm on the last leg back to the parking area. The bison that were here earlier are now gone. I see them in the distance under Bison Point - quite the travelers.

I've never seen the parking so full and the people keep coming - guess everyone is ready for Spring!

On my way, I get my first close encounter with a bison in a very long time. He is right next to the road. I can hear him ripping the grass blades from the plant.

Then he proceeds to cross the road right in front of me.

Perfect ending to an awesome day!

Feb 26 - Spring is "springing" on Antelope Island (Sentry Trail)

Big decision this morning, walk thru snow in the mountains or enjoy walking once again on "warm" dirt. Today, the "warm" dirt (and sunshine) wins.

Supposed to be yet another great day. We've been above normal for a while (and lacking precipitation) so I fully expect my trip to Antelope Island to look much different than my last trip 2 weeks ago - namely, I expect there to be very little (if no) snow on the island (except on the highest of peaks).

When I get there, I get what I expect.- the snow is basically gone on (at least on the lower parts).

As I cross the causeway, it's a different world. No longer covered in white, it's back to the brown wet lake bed. 

The Kestrels which have been perching on the causeway markers are gone. As are the ducks - simply open water.

I am happy to see that I see water in Farmington Bay a lot further from the island than last Fall -- the island's snow melt is helping.

I make the left turns towards the Ranch and quickly spot a single bison not too far off the road. Not more than 100 yards away is a small herd of Pronghorn - I count 6 females and 2 males (again, not far off the road). The females are in a group several yards from the two males. I watch the two males as they are closer. I see them pawing at the ground, 

grazing, and squatting. Once that male moves in my direction, 

the second male squats where the first one did -- I'm thinking a dominance display.

As I'm watching, I hear the beautiful singing of the Western Meadowlark directly opposite me, across the road.

Time to move on. And I didn't have to move far (I'm still north of the fence line) as there's a herd of about 6 bison.

What a great start to the day!

I get to the first pull-off and step out of my car for a look. There's definitely much more water in the Bay but still much more water is needed. I can still see a large patch of ice and what looks like icebergs. 

I continue on. I see yet another small herd of bison on the west side of the road. They're a little hard to spot as they are all laying down.

A little further on, I notice a white spot in the grasses;  it's a single pronghorn laying down. Nope, there's another one too!

Still further down the road, I see yet another group of 6 pronghorn! The herd has definitely split apart but they are at least staying on the east side of the island.

Far behind these pronghorn, nestled closer to the mountains, is a good size bison herd.

I continue on and a little further, I see 2 more pronghorn on a hill! (This is much more fun than seeing a single large herd.)

I make it to the Ranch. It's a sunny 47 degrees out. Time for the hike. I start walking down the dirt road towards the trail head. On a fence post, I see my first Kestrel of the day!

I make my way to Mushroom Springs. I was expecting it to be muddy in the Springs run-off, especially after the snow melt, but it's pretty dry.

I start my way up to Sentry Peak. Still a bit of snow around.

I see my first sign of Spring, the Tiger Beetles are out!!

As are the Lady Bug!

I watch a bird of prey circle over head.

I complete the first part of the climb and am walking along the long flat switchback. Ahead of me is another herd of bison. We're at the same elevation but a good 100-200 yrds apart. 

On the second part of climb, I see another sign of Spring - two lizards. They are together.  (Those lizards are the only one I see today).

I get to a section with some pine/juniper trees and see several blue-colored birds. 

I reach the "top" and look east

And then west (much hazier to the west).

I continue south along the ridge and behind Sentry Peak before starting my way down.

On the way down, I see some beetles.

Great hike!

Back in my car, it's time to head towards the causeway.

Not far from the ranch I see a rather large bison herd on a hill. The same hill I saw the two pronghorn earlier. I only see one of pronghorn now.

Awesome day!