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!

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!

Sept 8 - Willow Heights (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

Heading somewhere different for my after work hike; I haven't been with Willow Heights lake since late Spring, I think it's time.

Comfortable temperature of 70 at the trail head and pretty windy. Although many trees in the canyon are turning colors, the aspen haven't really started yet.

As I start up the trail, the ground vegetation is dried up except for the purple asters.

Very quiet, just the windy blowing and leaves rustling.

I make it to the meadow and of course, I'm greeted by dry brown vegetation. The little pond is all dried up.

I surprised that I don't hear or see any ground squirrels running around. There are usually plenty of them moving around in the Spring.

There are plenty of grasshoppers flying around.

And surprise, a Frittillary!

I make my way to the Lake. Hey, there still plenty of water!!

I walk along the southern shore. There are Darners flying and many Mallards in the pond. No moose or deer to be seen.

I head around the western corner of the lake to the northern shore. This view will be much different in a couple weeks when the aspen are yellow.

There are chipmunks running along the lake's edge as I head towards the woods; still no ground squirrels.

I head into the woods to circle the lake. Back on the southern shore I scare a snake - no actually two snakes (in different areas).

I head back to the southern shore. Those ducks that were swimming/feeding when I arrived all along the shore sleeping. I thought walking by them would wake them up but no, still sleeping.

I find a nice rock and pull out my sandwich. And then.....

One duck is pretty persistent even those the rest head back to the lake. He finally gets the hint and heads back to the water. Bottoms up!

Time to head down!

Sept 5 - Sentry Trail (Antelope Island)

A very unseasonably cool day forecast for today; a lovely sunny and 72 degrees (finally!).

Heading out to Antelope Island to hike the Sentry Trail. This will be an interesting experience because the trail was greatly affected by the large fire a couple of months ago. What will the area look like? Will there be animals in the fire-affected area? Will there be lizards/bugs/dragonflies/butterflies? We haven't had rain so will there be green vegetation emerging? All questions that I will answer today.

I arrive on the causeway around 8:30am -- it's in the mid-50s but sunny. I have to go almost all the way to the island before reaching water in both Farmington Bay and the Salt Lake. Many gulls flying and a few shorebirds on the Salt Lake.

The vegetation along the causeway is very colorful.

I head directly to the Ranch. There's quite a few bison on that first 1/2 mile on the island. Nice to see them moving north on the island. (I wonder if they're finally moving to the western side.)

I stop at the first pull-out for a quick look around and see a large herd of bison are on a green "island" on the Farmington Bay flats.

Driving a bit farther, I see a couple of bison crossing the road ahead of me. There are more coming down the hill heading for the road. I pull up and stop to watch giving the bison plenty of room to continue their current direction.

The bison (Moms and calves) that are crossing are heading for the large water tank for a drink. I can hear the crunching grasses as they walk. At times the calves are very slow and at other times, they are running and jumping. Very fun!

There's about 10 bison that eventually cross and head for a drink

I drive on!

Somewhere past Frary Peak, I see 4 deer moving along the lake edge (lots of green vegetation there).

Oops, there's a buck following the 4 doe (and keeping watch as he's looking up to the road).

As I continue, there are little herds of bison in various spots along the road. Looks like the super herd that's been on the east side of the island since Spring may be finally breaking up.

I reach the Ranch and head down the gravel road to the Sentry parking area.

Well it's time to find some signs of life in this burnt area.

As I walk down the trail towards Mushroom Springs, the landscape is a bit eerie. The blackness of the burn is, for the most part, gone - it's been downgraded to brown. However, the remnants tuffs of grass remain dark black/charred. However, there are small green bursts of fresh grass and flowers - not many but they are there; signs of life :)

I also see a couple of grasshoppers! Not even 1% of what normally be hopping/flying around at this time - but more life!

I see somewhat fresh bison scat along the trail -- they were probably getting a drink at Mushroom Springs.

The right side of the trail is plowed by the park staff -- guess they're waiting to reseed when the time is right.

The left side remains untouched.

As I walk, I see something moving in the distance on the left side.... they're Pronghorn! A small herd, looks like 4 females plus a male are moving thru near the burned area. Awesome! It's the life I was hoping for!

I reach Mushroom Springs. The fire came very near the Springs. One of the big trees used by the Bald Eagles in the winter is still standing but leafless. The other does have leaves. The Springs retention pond is full - I don't see any birds.

I continue up the trail. It's odd to see the landscape laid bare --- the ruggedness of the island is in full view.

In several areas, I see several markings along the trail. I suspect they are indicators for the planes that helped fight the fire.

I climb for a bit and then finally reach the long flat switchback (the 1/2 way point) - great views down to the Ranch.

What a landscape!

I head north along the flat trail and as I near the end I see a decent size area untouched by fire.  I'm not sure how this area was missed by the fire as it's surrounded by burn. So far, the birds have been non-existent but as I walk past this one small grassy section, I hear birds chirping and see birds flying. Very nice!

And I see a lizard!

Unfortunately, it's short-lived as I return to the burn and back to heading uphill.

There are a couple other very small grassy areas especially near the junipers which also thankfully survived the fire.

In one of those patches, I find one (just one) Western Branded Skipper!

In the distance to the north, the south-facing slopes of the mountains are untouched by fire.

As I near the ridge I come to area that must have burned really hot -  all that's left is the sagebrushs' burnt skeletons - the barren ground barren. (This was the incredible spot of the day for me!)

The north side of Sentry Peak is burnt. As I'm looking towards Sentry Peak, I hear a rustling noise behind me. It's a big dust devil spinning towards me. I'm not sure which way to go as it moving about I stand my ground and experience a mini-tornado as it passes over me as it heads towards Sentry Peak.

I reach the ridge line -- there's some sagebrush here and beautiful views as always. Hey, the picnic table survived!!

To the south (and down towards the Salt Lake) is burn. But looking north, untouched. Good to see - more areas for the animals to feed.

I make my way south along the ridge. I find a few more lizards along the way.

I pass behind Sentry Peak before crossing the ridge.

And heading back downhill. On the way down, I hear single barks. I've heard these before and I assume the noises must be coming from coyotes but I have no proof.

I also see one grey damselfly, a red Meadowhawk and a Darner. Those dragonflies should be here, I see them every year; I'm just surprised to see them in this year!

Good hike! It's nice to finally see the area -- pretty stark now but once the rains/snow finally get here, it should green up nicely. And it'll be fun to continue watch the re-awakening!!

Once back at the car, I head back north up the island.

I also find three pronghorn moving south.

On the way back, I find another herd of bison drinking from another water container. (I've never seen the bison drink from these container before today - twice today.)

And a whole line of bison moving south too!

I head over to the west side of the island and am happy to see bison here. Good to see them moving around the island again.

As I round the north end of the island behind the Visitor's Center, I get a glimpse of a small herd of deer. Don't know how many because they hidden by the vegetation.

Awesome day!

Sept 3 - Silver Lake, Lake Solitude, Twins Lakes Loop - Big Cottonwood Canyon

Very cloudy morning but there is no rain in the mountain forecast so I'm heading up to finally hike to Twin Lakes Pass (I hope).

I start up the canyon a little after 8am. It's very cloudy and looks like rain. The Fall colors have arrived!!! They are hard to see because of the clouds and lack of sun but color change has started especially at the lower end of the canyon. :)

I'm expected crowded trails as it is a Saturday morning but they are still pretty empty - always good to know.

The Silver Lake parking is no different - plenty of spots available.

The grasses in the wetland around Silver Lake are a golden brown. There are patches on color on the nearby mountains but the aspen leaves are still green.

I head around Silver Lake keeping an eye out for moose - none this morning. As I get closer to the Lake, I'm seeing Bluets (damselflies) and Darners.

And there are a few Mallards on the lake.

I stop for a couple of lake shots and then continue.

As I'm walking past three ladies, a small dark grey critter run out of the flowers and crosses the trail right in front of me. He either crossed just ahead of my right shoe or over it I'm not sure. But it's appearance woke up 4 women pretty quickly! :)

I head directly towards Lake Solitude.

Then I start my way up the hill to the view over Twin Lakes.

I reach the ridge over Twin Lakes - not too shabby!

It's still cloudy and very windy - not a good day for "great views" from the Pass so I decide to head down and attempt to walk around Twin Lakes. I've only ever walked down the right side. I've made one attempt to complete the loop but there was snow on the ground and I lost the trail. Here's to my 2nd attempt!

I head down to the lakes - boy, the water levels are dropping fast - more beach, more rocks exposed.

Hey, there's a couple of shorebirds.

I start my way down the trail around the lake.

Nice views along the way (despite the clouds).

I reach the end of the 2nd lake. On the beach are some fresh moose tracks. There's one around here somewhere. (I find some fresh moose scat too.)

A little further are some nice rocks for a quick break.

The trail is a little hard to find now as I start up a little hill around a rocky area but it just doesn't look like the right way as I am continuing uphill and not down to the lake shore.

I turn back and pick up the trail as it heads up some boulders. I turn around and there's a big male moose in the distance!! Yea for getting confused on trail!!

He's bedded down. Very cool!

Then I look towards the lake trying to figure out how to get down. I see a little trail heading down over rocks. I head down carefully as I need to sit on the rocks before heading down to the next set of rocks. But it dead ends. :(

I suppose if I liked bouldering I could do it but that's not happening. So I climb back up. After looking around, I find another trail that goes up and then down to the beach - yea! And start my way around the other side of the lake (all new territory for me).

It's a bit of an adventurous trail on this side as the trail is climbs over rocks/tree roots, is very narrow in spots all while being 10-15ft above the lake.  At one point, I again ended up being stuck on some rocks luckily I hunted down the actual trail. It was super fun though! And the views were awesome!

When I made it back to the dam, I find a rock along the lake and had lunch. (Only a few people at the lake - I'm expecting more.)

And then I head down. Now there are plenty of folks heading up now!

And I find lupine flowers. I'm surprised they are even in bloom but the tiny flowers really amaze me.

Along the ridge over Silver Lake, the Pika and Marmots are still around.

Awesome day!