Sept 20 - Willow Heights Lake (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

Heading out again after work as I try to cram in the "colorful" hikes before the storms come Thurs/Fri/Sat and knock the leaves down. (Not as fun seeing them covering the ground than still in the trees.)

Willow Heights Lake is the destination (and if I can find the right side trail, Dry Lake).

Sunny day and around 91 for a high in the valley. (Hopefully the last 90 degree day of the year.)

Arrive at the trail head just after 4pm. I'm the only one parked -- hoping there are deer or moose roaming around up top.

Colors are fabulous. There are still green aspen but plenty of yellow ones.

Still a few purple aster along the trail but not many.

Very quiet (no birds or squirrels making noise) - just the wind blowing through the trees.

When I make it up the hill and out of the trees, what a wonderful view!

I make my way to the lake. Lots of grasshoppers hopping/flying. And I see a Clouded Sulpher nectaring on one of those last Asters. Before I head thru the aspen again, I stop and turn around - incredible colors everywhere!.

I make my way thru the aspen grove to the lake. Wow!

Dragonflies are flying and still plenty of ducks on the lake. But no moose (or deer).

I make my way to the other side of the lake. I see 2 Field Crescents along the way.

The views from the other side -- not too shabby either.

I walk up 3 side trails up the mountain hoping to find the trail to Dry Lake but all 3 led to campsites. Not finding Dry Lake today.

There's a chipmunk running along the lakeshore. The only little critter I see today.

I make my way around to the far side of the lake.

And then into the woods looking hard for anything with 4 legs. No luck today.

I head back around and then find a rock on the near shore to have my sandwich. Most of the ducks are busy in the lake feeding but there is one duck a few feet from me sleeping. Can I eat with beggars?

I carefully pull my sandwich out and manage to eat it without even the sleeping duck awakening. But I open my little bag of cookies, here come the ducks swimming my way. Soon they are on shore and coming my way with lots of wings flapping.

But I hide the bag and they wander back into the water.

While I'm sitting here there's a lovely noise in the trees behind me -- I know why they are called Quaking Aspen.

Time to head back down thru the wonderful aspen!

Awesome day!

Sept 19 - Silver Lake to Twin Lakes (Fall Colors)

Heading up to Twin Lakes after work to catch some of the Fall colors in Big Cottonwood Canyon. And since there's rain/snow in the forecast for Thurs/Fri/Sat for the mountains, need to see the colors before the precipitation knocks it all down.

A high of 93 in the valley today, looking forward to the coolness in the mountains as well. (And I make sure I have my camera battery today. :))

The aspens are actually turning yellow now. Big swathes of yellow with splotches of reds and oranges (maples) along the mountains sides. Still many green aspens but it won't be long for them either.

I arrive at the Silver Lake parking. There's more people here today than the last 3 trips of mine combined -- it's got to be the Fall colors.

I'm not heading to Lake Solitude today as I want to head up over Silver Lake first -- it'll be in the shade it I hit it last. (And, as I walk to the boardwalk, the Silver Lake facing side of the mountains are already in the shade at around 4:30pm.)

The aspen groves around the lake are yellow!

There are still dragonflies out! And there are many Mallards in the lake.

So pretty!

I head up thru the aspen to the ridge above Silver Lake - definitely a good plan to head up here first. (Though I'm a bit late to beat the shadows.)

Hearing and seeing Pika, I count 5.

No Marmots though.

Time to head up the hill, thru the drying vegetation that the sun is hitting just right to make it glow.

I reach the dam

And head to the right side of the dam. Beautiful views but the colors are on this side. I'm heading back down and to the other side of the dam.

Now that's better!!

From what I can tell, there's only one other person here and that's the guy on the other side putting together his paddle board.

I find a nice spot and eat my sandwich (and watch the guy set off down the lake on his board). Too bad he doesn't have a sail as the winds are blowing down the lake right now. I'm actually getting a little cool.

Time to head back down.

The trail is all in the shade now and as I pass a small thick grove of yellow aspen, I see some moose scat and hear rustling in the aspen. I stop and look very carefully for any kind of movement. Nothing. I continue to hear the rustling and move slightly down the trail hoping I can get the proper angle (I'm so hoping for a moose). I'm about ready to give up when I see movement. It's an ear I think. And then I get a glimpse of the head/nose -- it's doe!! (Not a moose but always nice to see any animal.)

I reach the ridge and start heading across - many Pika still running around this evening.

Nothing better than coming down thru the aspen in Fall!!

I reach Silver Lake and decide to complete the loop. Lots of wonderful views as I complete that loop.

And when I'm done, the sun is just dropping below a peak; the area is all in the shade.

Awesome day!

Sept 18 - Catherine's Pass (Little Cottonwood Canyon)

Another beautiful day in the forecast - sunny w/ highs in the mid-80s in the valley. Heading to Catherine's Pass today -- it's been a while since my last visit. Hoping to get up to Sunset Peak but not feeling 100% this morning so it may not happen.

I check the weather before heading out and it's in the mid-40s at the trail head.

Lots of color in the canyon this morning but most of it still in the shade.

When I arrive at the parking, the basin is full of sun. Devil's Castle and Sugarloaf Peak look wonderful in the morning light.

Unfortunately, I forgot to put the battery in my camera this morning, so no photo memories today. :(

The trail starts in the sun and then heads into the shade. I see only a few purple asters in bloom. Lots of seed heads/pods though.

I'm looking for moose or deer but see none. But the birds are sure talkative this morning.

I arrive at a very sunny wet meadow - very golden in the early light. Saw moose here last time but nothing today.

I complete the remaining uphill and arrive at Catherine's Pass. Always beautiful!

I find a rock and enjoy the surroundings.

Catherine's Lake below is 1/2 in the sun and 1/2 in the shade. The yellow leaves around the lake are bright in the sunlight!

Several folks are up on Sunset Peak - I can see their silhouettes against the blue sky.

There's a chipmunk behind me chirping and his tail bounces with every chirp.

The birds are singing for a while after I arrive but then quiet down.

This is the end of my day (not going any farther -- I just have to come back before the road closes in a month or so).

Time to head down. The way down is a bit sunnier now. Sunny enough that I see a Sulpher butterfly flitting around.

Short but lovely day!

Sept 16 - Red Pine Lake (Little Cottonwood)

Heading to Red Pine Lake today. It will be 2nd visit of the season (last one was in late July). Hoping to see a little of the Fall colors that are really starting to pop now. But I do have to say, the colors are not as good as last year basically because we've had no rain this summer (that includes the mountains).

But hopefully the rain situation is changing as we finally had decent showers on Tues & Wed - the mountains may have gotten some rain yesterday as there were plenty of dark clouds hovering over them,

The temps have also been unseasonably cool the last few days (love it)! When I left my house this morning just after 8am, it was barely 50 degrees -- going to be cool at 7600+ ft.

I arrive around 8:30. Boy is it nippy -- the fleece is a must at least at the start. The trail is in the shade and it probably will be until I reach the last 1/2 mile. (The trail is 3.25 miles and 2000ft -- lake is at 9600ft.)

I start the trail. The aspen around the parking area are just starting to change. But lots of color in the brush and other vegetation. Purple Asters and Pearly Everlastings are still blooming - lots of Pearly Everlastings.

Noisy forest this morning with sounds of squirrels and chipmunks getting ready for winter. There are also lots of pine cones on the trail - some "normal" Fir cones and what looks like very immature Douglas Fir cones - they've got the "mouse tail".

Definitely signs of rain up there especially during the first mile -- a few puddles and a damp trail.

And I find some frost on the leaves!

At the White Pine & Red/Maybird Lakes trail split, the creek is still flowing.

I take the Red/Maybird Lakes trail and head to the overlook. 

The aspen are definitely yellowing on this part; it's just hard to really enjoy because of the shade.

What a wonderful down canyon look!

I continue up to the Red Pine and Maybird trail split at the 2.5 mile marker. I'm getting closer to the sun but still not there yet -- I'm so ready for it at this point!

After climbing up a steep rocky section, I finally reach the sun! 

The sun is just cresting over the mountains as the area is still covered in a very heavy frost (which won't last for long).

When I finally reach the lake, wow! It's so low!

Just indicates how hot & dry our summer has been.

I make my way over to the dam. And walk across. Funny how there's still a  stream of water coming from the main part of the lake flowing towards the dam.

There are Pika chirping and running around as I cross.

I reach the little island, stop for a look and head back.

I then head down the other side of the lake.

My normal lunch spot's view is interesting. (There will be no watching for trout today!)

I've always wanted to get to Upper Red Pine Lake. I tried last year and was high enough but was just several boulder fields to the left. I make my way up what should be the trail and after dodging pine cones being dropped by an angry squirrel, I come to a dead end at some huge boulders. There's also a stream flowing down the mountain side. It's got to be coming from the lake (maybe). I think about bushwhacking my way up but it was just for a second -- I'm coming down.

It's around 11am now and there's still no one at the lake but me!! But it's time to head back. The colors should be better as the sun is much higher. So here goes!

I do see one Hoary Comma on the way down.

Lovely day!

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!