I hiked up to Lofty Lake a few weeks ago; there was still snow on one section of the trail so I did an out-n-back hike. Today, I'm doing the full loop - need to get to the meadows between Kamas Lake and the switchbacks.
Another near 100 degree for the Salt Lake valley today -- only supposed to be in the mid/upper 60s where I'm heading (helps to be above 10,000 ft).
Easy drive except having to stop for a deer (doe) feeding right at the side of the road. I slowed, she raised her head and watched me drive by. Just like it's supposed to happen!
Lots of folks already at some of the lakes this morning as I pass thru. When I arrive at the Pass Lake Trail head, there's only a few cars (and no mosquitoes - yea!!)
I head off in the counter-clockwise direction up thru the woods. Plenty of flowers still around - Asters, Yarrows, Fleabane, Paintbrush, and these new ones - Sickletop Lousewort
And Harebells - lots of Harebells!!
And then the bigger Scout Lake.
I continue up the trail watching all the flowers for bflies. At one point, I finally see a small flyer - it's a Purplish Copper!!!
I continue to climb reaching the rocky section of the trail - no snow!! Now I start seeing some flyers -- all Milbert's Tortoiseshell!
Great views as always!
I complete the climb and I have my first views of Lofty Lake!!
On my way down to the lake, I see a Pika. He's on the move so hard to keep up with but he does finally stop.
The flowers around the lake are wonderful!
There's Bistort, Shooting Star (in spots) and Mountain Gentian.
I make my way to the other side to a large rock on the opposite for a break.
Time to move on thru the flowers to the downhill section with expansive and wonderful views!
Once down the switchbacks, I make way down a little further to a large boulder to look down below (a Lion King moment).
Now its down, down, down to the meadow - lots of Elephant head still blooming.
I go off trail hoping to scare some butterflies up. I do manage to find a Mormon Frit, a Painted Lady and an Arctic Blue.
There's tons of flowers but most of the butterflies have already flew for the season. :(
I continue thru the meadow and get my first glimpse of Mt Baldy and Reids Peak.
Down, down I go to Kamas Lake which looks wonderful!
Then more down, stopping to enjoy another Purplish Copper.
Passing a couple of ephemeral ponds still with water along the way.
And then finally down to level ground and Reids Meadow - Mt Baldy and Reids Peak.
The rest of the trip is paralleling the meadow. At one particularly flowery spot, I see another Mormon Frit, another Purplish Copper and a Common Checkered Skipper. (Still have Milbert's Tortoiseshells flying.)
I keep seeing these Sulphers and finally catch up with one perched on a flower. He has a slight greenish lower wing - unfortunately, because of the sun (and a picky camera) I can't get a good picture. But there's another Sulpher (almost white) on a flower behind it. The yellow sulpher soon finds the White one and harasses it.
Then they both taking off high into the air swirling around. After a bit, the white one lands on a flower for a moment. Before being chased yet again. Then they both disappear. (I believe these are Scudder's Sulphers.)
Lots of little creeks still flowing down to the meadow to step over on the way back.
Awesome day!
