Nov 18 - Antelope Island

Big storm blew through yesterday with a mix of mostly rain with some snow and hail mixed in. Along with the precipitation, the stormed dropped the temperatures (and dumped upwards of 12 inches of snow in the mountains).

So this morning, despite the sun, it's only 27 degrees when I arrive on Antelope Island. (Brrr!) There is even a thin layer of ice near the edge of the water (and very few ducks and gulls).

I should be hiking Sentry Peak today (did White Rock last week) but with over an inch of rain, I'm sure the road will be frozen mud this morning. Which is fine until it melts into slippery mud. So I'm planning to hike White Rock again (or perhaps up to Elephant Rock).

But for now, I head turn left and head down to the Ranch. Hoping for the return of the animals, they've been pretty invisible the last two weeks when I've been here. (The storm might have moved them around a bit.)

Well, it's much of the same "no animals" as I pass behind the Visitor's Center and reach the first pull-off. The mountains across the bay are all snow covered again (yea!) but they're are hard to see with the sun still very low in the sky. (It'll be better looking when I come back.)

I continue on down the hill towards Frary Peak. I do see a herd of bison on top of a ridge (just small black dots in the distance).


I pass Frary Peak and before the next pull-off, I see a bunch of trucks pulled off the road. They must be watching something.

I pull up and see nothing but a bunch of hunter looking men with their spotting scopes all pointed up at the rocks below the Frary Peak. As I roll by, I ask one of the men; they said there are deer in the rocks.

I continue on laughing as I find it somewhat ironic that the hunters are scoping the island's large buck instead of finding deer that they can actually hunt. (No hunting on the island.) Perhaps it's just satisfying their dreams of that trophy buck that didn't happen this year!

Hey, there's snow on the Island's mountains too!! First time this season!

As I roll up on the side road to the Frary Homestead, I see a bunch of bison near the parking lot. I never been to the Homestead but I'm going to the parking lot now! I pull up and the bison are very near the parking lot. I get out of my car and stand behind the log fence and watched as the bison slowly move by. I can hear them chewing and huffing.

All with their fresh new ear tags.

There's a little guy in with the herd.

(Last year, during the bison physicals, they separated the Mom and young calves holding them into a pen for the winter. Either this Mom/calf pair missed the physicals or the DNR decided not to separate them this year.)

As the last of the group moves by, one gets a little "frisky" (or dominance behavior).

And then butt heads a bit.

Before moving on.

I move on too and not too much further down the road is a massive herd of bison. One large group in the meadow and one a bit above the meadow.

Continuing on, I see two animals on the beach. Too big to be coyote, they are Pronghorn!

One takes off running up the island (north). The other takes a bit of time before following. Not sure what scared them to take off but they were running (not trotting).

I continue on and soon I'm at the Ranch. There I decide that I'm not taking a long hike today; there's a bit of a wind and it's cold. But I will head up to Bison Point (only about 1/2 mile on way).

So I start heading back up the island. I'm not far from the Ranch when I see a large group of Pronghorn running through the sagebrush towards the road. I stop but there's another car coming in the opposite direction. I'm not sure they see the animals. I'm praying they stop. The Pronghorn start running across the road and the car stops as a few animals pass right in front of their car! Whew!

The remaining animals (and there are a bunch of them) stop and head a bit north before passing behind their car.

After they cross, they continue to head north some still running and others slow down or even stop to graze.

And the Pronghorn keeps coming across the road! There has to be over 50 of them! I count the last ones and I get 23 and there were plenty more that crossed before! How exciting!! (And I never saw these guys on my way to the Ranch - very stealthy.)

I continue on past the large herd of bison (and the other herd from the Homestead). And I see the 2 Pronghorn I saw earlier still moving north (while all the other animals are moving south).

I see the hunter's trucks in the distance and as I roll up, I see the 2 deer the one hunter is looking at in the grasses. A doe

and a big guy!! He's a beauty!!

I watch for a while before continuing on and eventually over to the west side of the island and up to the Bison Point parking. Beautiful views as always! I start up the trail

There's a lone bison down there!

And soon reach the top and look towards Elephant Rock to the south.

I head north through the rocks for a good view north.

Time to head back.

Great day!

Nov 11 - White Rock Trail (Antelope Island)

Sunny day but cool - temps in the low 40s this morning. Heading up to Antelope Island today to hike the White Rock Trail. Hoping there's bison (or Pronghorn) in the meadow.

Not many ducks along the causeway this morning but it's bright and 43 degrees.

Lots of cars out this morning - perhaps the Island has a special event today. There are signs for another Bison Run (and I see water stops) and the Bison Auction (This is the way they control the island's bison population and make some money for improvement/maintenance on the island. I believe this a genetically pure bison so they are sold to build a herd and add new genetics to existing herds and yes, probably some for food.)

I head south towards the Ranch passing behind the Visitor's Center - no animals to be seen. I see two bison along the dirt road to the Beacon Hill parking lot and a small herd near the water bin after coming down from the first viewpoint.

After passing Frary Peak, I see a number of the trail runners on that Bison Run and I figure it's time to turn around and head to my trail as the runners have probably scared any animals that may have been nearby. (And besides, last week  there weren't many animals to be seen either; just expecting the same today.)

I head back up the island and at the intersection make a left turn heading to the trail head. No animals seen along the way.

Just a few cars in the parking area. I gear up and start up the White Rock Trail. (43 degrees).

Very quiet out this morning. All the grasses are dry and in various shades of tans. There are a few sunflowers still blooming but it varies with the location of the trail.

As I head up the switchbacks, I expect to see cars/trucks at the bison corrals (and bison in the corrals) because of the Bison Auction signs along the road. But no cars or bison.

It is happening today. Perhaps those bison are hiding in the corrals. (I am a good distance away.)

I continue pass and along the trail. Not seeing bison or antelope scat today -- only fresh horse piles. (Have to dodge more than just the stray rock today.)

Soon I can see White Rock Bay and the big meadow. There three crows/ravens flying back-n-forth along the horizon.

Hey, there a few bison down there!

I stop briefly for a view of Frary Peak

and then continue down to the ridge.

I decide to take the shorter trail (which is actually the real White Rock Trail). Along this stretch following the contours on the hills, I see one small lizards (he quickly ducked into his hole), one dragonfly, one beetle and many grasshoppers flying as I pass.

And for the surprise of the day, one Checkered White

and a Painted Lady!!!

It's mid-Nov very exciting to see them!

And the bison - still far in the distance.

I reach the end of west bound trail and turn north. Pretty cool to have a great view north to Bison Point and

south of White Rock Bay/Elephant Point at the same stopping point!

Then it's back down to my car.

I decide to ride around the Visitor's Center, still hoping for animals. But nothing.  They are definitely in hiding right now. :)

Still a lovely day though!

And it's Veteran's Day -- Thanks to all that have served and those still serving!!

Nov 9 - Castlewood Canyon

On a quick trip to the Denver area. After my appointment, I still had time to squeeze in a short hike before making my way back to the airport.

Sunny but very cool day (in the 40s). Heading to Castlewood Canyon State Park (6100 ft) for a short hike. The park is about 5 miles south of the town of Franktown (south and a bit east of Denver). I've never been there before (obviously) so this will be fun.

The park is around 2600 acres in the "ecologically unique Black Forest region of Colorado" - lots of Ponderosa Pine.

I turn right off the RT83 heading into the park and I immediately see a very large herd of pronghorn just outside the parks boundary in the grasslands. Awesome!!

After watching them for a bit, I head to the gate, pay my admission, drive to the 1st parking lot and start down the Canyon View Nature trail. The "trail" is a concrete sidewalk. A bit disappointing but it does make things more accessible. (I'm sure there are other trails.) As I head down the side walks, there are lots of picnic tables and other sidewalks going in different directions.

I see some low growing cactus, rocks and lots of Ponderosa Pine trees.

Although all the sidewalk branches are a bit confusing, I keep walking in the direction of the canyon and find an overlook.

And then another.  (I can see Cherry Creek below)

The trail continues but I decide to turn around and head back to my car so I can head to the final parking lot and hopefully some real trails. It's a real short drive to the next parking lot. There I start down the Lake Gulch Trail (0.8 miles). The trail heads in the northerly direction. I reach the Pikes Peak overlook very quickly and take the short detour to the overlook. It's too sunny and hazy to see the Peak - perhaps at sunset. But below is a large grassland with some cows (just small dots).

Pretty quiet - except for the cows mooing.

Continuing on the views of the grassland continue to my left but to my right it gets pretty rocky as the trail drops (about 200 ft) to that grassland. Looks a little like southern UT but much smaller. :)

The trail "ends" at the creek (that runs down the canyon).

I have to cross the creek on some large boulders.

That's the end of the Lake Gulch Trail. Now I can either head back on the Inner Canyon Trail or continue onto the old dam on the aptly names Dam Trail (0.35 miles). I want to see the dam (and I have plenty of time) so I continue on thru up a small hill and continue along the grassland.

The Castlewood Dam was built in the 1890s to contain water for farming and people. No different than today.

On Aug 3, 1933 the dam broke after a multi-day heavy rain event flooding some 34+ miles to Denver. And this is all that remains of the dam.

I can continue up to the remaining portion of the dam or continue below on the Creek Bottom Trail (1.7 miles). Just before I reach the dam, I actually see some wildlife - a Chickadee!

I pass below the dam and continue along the creek.

I'm not heading the entire 1.7 miles (just don't have the time); however, I do want the reach the waterfall (which looks to be around 1 mile down the trail).

I'm now following along the creek.

I'm in the very cool shade now. There's light snow on the trail. This is rattlesnake country (one was seen along this trail on Oct 29) but it's shady and cold, I don't think any snake would be out today.

The creek is visible in spots but mostly it's hidden behind boulders. but it's still very pretty especially the cliff on the other side of the creek.

Soon I see a wooden fence and a big drop-off on the other side. I turn around and there's the waterfall (still flowing!!)

I continue along the trail until it ends just past the falls. (The trail actually continue but there's steps involved.) Time to head back.

Soon I'm back at the start of the Inner Canyon and Lake Gulch Trail. Part of me wants to take the same way back and be in the sun. But I have to complete the loop and head down the Inner Canyon Trail (1.1 miles) along the creek. I'm not sure how I'm going to get across but I trust the map that I will be able to get across.

Lot's of rocks along the trail with good views of the creek. The trail follows the edge of the forest.

Not far down the trail, I see my 2nd bird of the day -- a Brown Creeper (I think).

I expecting my crossover to be wide open as it was on the Nature Trail so I keep looking as I walk. (All forest on the other side.)

Soon I see some wooden fences so I must be close. Surprise! There's a foot bridge to cross the creek.

And a bunch of steps up thru the forest to get back to "street-level". Neat little trail (~4miles).

Time to head to the airport. On the way out, the Pronghorn are gone.

Nice stop!

Nov 5 - Sentry Trail (Antelope Island)

Not a pretty day out as a cold front pass thru bringing snow in the mountains and spotty drizzle in the valley. But I'm heading out to Antelope Island anyway as it is supposed to clear.

It's around 48 degrees when I arrive. The northern part of the island is sunny (since clouds passing thru though) but the southern part is still under dark clouds.

I want stay north in the sun but they're finishing up the annual bison physicals and the corrals are very near the White Rock trail (which I'd be hiking). Since the bison are being released so near the trail, I just don't want to deal with a couple hundred freed bison. Heading south to the clouds and the Sentry Trail.

I pass a couple of bison pretty quickly and a little further down the road see a bunch of bison on top one of the hills - must are laying down.

There's a big herd under the White Rock trail ridge too.

After passing Frary Peak, I see a dark spot near the white Farmington Bay shoreline. At first I think it's a Crow/Raven but it's moving. I zoom in with my camera and it's a coyote!!!

It looks like he's sniffing something on the ground. Then he disappears into the grasses.

Moving on, I pass a couple of smaller bison herd on the way to the Ranch but see no deer or antelope. :( Not too surprised though because I'd guess the animals were forced to move around when they herded the 500 bison to the corrals a week ago.

I park at the Trail Head and start up the trail. Still lots of clouds around but there are peeks of sun.

I don't see any animals as I look around. There's still a few sunflowers in bloom in spots on the trail. Not much moving along the trail other than a single beetle and a small flock of birds.

Oops can't forget the butterfly. Monarch, CA Tortoiseshell or Painted Lady???? I tried unsuccessfully to find it when it landed.

I reach the ridge the water is so calm below.

I track along across the ridge and behind Sentry Peak before starting the trek down.

Along the way, I see 8 Clouded Sulphers, a single dragonfly and a coyote running in the distance.

Time to head back up the island.

Along the causeway I spot for 3 Western Grebes (I think)

Lovely day

Nov 2 - Twin Lakes (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

Partly cloudy and mid-60s, it's a perfect day for an after work hike....and it will be the last one of the season as the time change this week-end will push darkness to 5:30.

Driving up the canyon, it's conifers and naked trees -- very bare.

When I arrive at Silver Lake, it's 45 degrees and the wind is blowing before our week-end storm comes in.

The peaks, as I walk around the lake, are hard to see due to the elevation/direction of the sun.

The prep for the winter season has begun as the tall orange flags are now present along the boardwalk. Also, I can see what looks like snow making machines on the Brighton slopes.

Crossing the footbridge, I see one fish swimming in the water below.

I head directly to Twin Lakes thru the bare Aspens arriving at the switchback above Twin Lakes.

I carefully look for Pika as I cross - I see two!

I also see a Stellar's Jay flying along the trail.

Up, up to Twin Lakes.

At one point I look up and I see something dark entering the woods. I look in the woods but see nothing -- maybe it was just bird or just the sun in my eyes. A couple of steps further, I see a deer crossing the trail!! I find the other one that crossed before him. (Good I wasn't seeing things!)

A few steps further, I see 2 (no 3) deer on the other side of the trail.

Cool, a herd of 5 deer!

A bit further, I stop 3 on the ridge!!

As I finish the last bit of the uphill section, I see another deer down to the left. Perhaps, she's one I've already seen and it is just moving up the hill or it's another deer.

I arrive at Twin Lakes. (Water levels are still dropping.)

I head down the trail along the lake. I'm not heading all the way to the other end, just the connector where the two lakes meet - that's a little more than 1/2 way down the lake. Lot's of steep beach along the way.

Once there I head off trail to the "beach" and walk down to Lake #2. Along the way, I see many deer tracks in the sand. I stop with Twins Lake Pass to the left of the peak.

Then I head up the beach along the connector.

Stopping on a rock for a short rest.

One more look at the Pass and then it's time to head back.

On the way down, I see no deer but find 3 Pika in the rocks over Silver Lake.

Lovely hike.