And to celebrate, I'm heading up Little Cottonwood Canyon to hike up to Catherine's Pass (and possibly even higher). It's the first time I've been up there in months, time to check things out since the road just open a few days ago (June 30). I'm sure lots of folks will be heading up so I get an early start and hope I get one of the few parking spots.
Not too many folks heading up the canyon or it seems, as the parking for Red Pine/White is full and overflowing on the sides of the road (and it's just past 7:30am).
I reach the dirt road and start my way up. Beautiful sunny morning - it's already in the mid-70s in the valley but only in the 50s up here at 9,400 ft. I reach the parking lot and yes, I get one of the last open spots (whew!).
Simply beautiful out -- cool, sunny, still snow in the mountains.....but the trail is clear. Time for the 1 mile 800 ft hike up to Catherine's Pass (10,200 ft). Still too early in the season for a lot of flowers but there are a few.
As I continue up the trail, the views of Devil's Castle and Sugarloaf Peak are awesome!!
As I get further from the parking, things are green'ng up. A few flowers here and there but mostly green vegetation.
After the next little up section, I start seeing Buttercups and they get more prevalent as I get higher. Also, start seeing snow along side parts of the trail. (And tough little Buttercups pushing up through the snow/ice.)
I finally reach the meadow -- a bit of snow and mud but still pretty.
I scan for critters but no moose or deer.
I continue around and find a wonderful area filled with yellow Buttercups - so pretty!
I head up above the meadow and then to Catherine's Pass. Below is Lake Catherine with Sunset Peak towering over. I can see lots of folks on top for Sunset Peak this morning.
I continue up to Sunset Pass enjoying views (and flowers) as I get higher.
I see a Western Tiger Swallowtail as I head up.
I head slightly off trail for a view down below.
And do the same several feet higher - I see Lake Mary in the distance.
Soon I reach the ridge.
And the views which make me come up here all the time.
I think about heading over to Devil's Castle but I'll wait until there are more flowers in bloom.
Time to head down.
On the way back to Catherine's Pass, I see a ground squirrel
and a chipmunk
and a White butterfly flying. (I have no idea the species.)
I take a brief rest at Catherine's Pass before continuing down.
At the far edge of the meadow, I spot 2 flyers - a Sheridan's Hairstreak (with the yellow face, I think he found some pollen)
And Milbert's Tortoiseshell.
While tracking a ground squirrel with nesting material.
Continuing down, I stop for a more "sunnier" view of Devil's Castle and Sugarloaf (I need to get over there soon.)
Further down, I continue to see Whites, Milbert's and Western Tigers but I add at Two Banded Skipper to my short list for today.
And another more Sheridan's Hairstreak!!
And possible a Western Green Hairstreak in the drier/rockier section.(I need to verify. Verified!)
Wonderful way to spend Independence Day!
