Feb 1 - Frary Peak Trail (Antelope Island)

Sunny day predicted with highs around 50s. Heading back to Antelope Island to hike the Sentry Trail (providing the bison that were just north of the trail haven't moved closer to the trail).

As I start crossing the causeway on this sunny morning, I'm greeted by a perched Kestrel and a bit farther down the road, a Northern Harrier. (Could be the one I saw perched yesterday morning.)

I reach the island and head south towards the Ranch.

Just after the Frary Peak turn-off, I find a herd of Pronghorn to the west. They seem to be having a good time romping around.

Continuing down the road, that large group of bison have moved north.

(and there are still a smaller herd at the same location down the road).

I arrive at the Ranch and unfortunately, a herd of bison are just off the lower part of the Sentry Trail just before it heads uphill. No Sentry Trail hike for me today. :(

However, there are Pronghorn nearby and there are a few deer behind the Ranch.

I think about looking for the Owls today but decide to continue on the Frary Peak trail.

I'm happily surprised to see that the gate is open to the parking lot. (I thought I'd be parking below and walking up.)

I gear up and start the 3/4 mile uphill climb. The trail is frozen but clear of snow.

I have no really goal for this hike. I'm walking until it gets too sketchy as I will run into snow or my feet get cold.

I complete the uphill portion and start the trek thru the sagebrush over to the west side of the island

passing Dooley Knob and views of the White Rock basin to the north.

As I cross, the trail becomes snow packed/ice but I expect this as I'm behind the peaks on the west side.

I find a bunch of hoof tracks and I'm wondering if these could be from the Bighorn Sheep released the other day.

I continue moving stopping briefly under the boulder bridge (views of Dooley Knob)

It sure is beautiful out here today!

One last climb until I'm at the first viewpoint looking east (just over 1.5 miles).

Northeast'sh

East
 

Souteast'sh

The trail continues and I start up but don't get very far; it's getting windy and my feet are cold. Time to call it a day and head back down.

Well, it wasn't 6.5 miles as I expected but I got a wonderful 3 miles of uphill today, saw deer, pronghorn (2 herds) and many bison.

Good day!