May 1 - Emigration Canyon Ridge Walk

It's my day off. It's not a pretty day as it's in the mid-50s and overcast but I'm going for a hike anyway.

I'm digging to find trails that probably will not be crowded so I'm going to try for the first time, the Emigration Canyon Ridge walk. It's 4.1 miles with 1000 ft elevation on way. From the looks of things, it'll be a bit out up-n-down.

I've stopped at the trail head before as it's the high point on the road through Emigration Canyon. And I've checked out a part of the trail on the north side of the road. Time to check out the south side.

I arrive some time before 8am. There are a few cars in the lot but I down see anyone but a couple folks that are starting the trail on the north side.

I'm not sure what to expect on this trail but time to give it a shot.

It is definitely an up-n-down trail and some of the "up" is steep.

On the first "real" steep hill, I have to stop because I hear Wild Turkeys gobbling. I can't find them though.

I stop at the top for a nice view of Big Dell Reservoir

And I continue along the trail.

There are lots of flowers blooming all along the way including OregonGrape, Phlox, Arrowleaf Balsamroot

Larkspur and Spring Parsley,

Forget-me-knots and Vetch

Yellow Bells (my favorite)

Utah Vetch

Waterleaf

And on one of the flat I get the crud scared out of me after flushing a Grouse that was just 10-15 feet in front of me on the side of the trail.

I'm looking for elk, deer, coyotes but only finding elk and coyote scat.

The views to the north of the mountains are good; they would be better if sunny.

I was planning on going to the end of the trail

but it's been drizzling the whole way. I have a rain coat but I'd be too hot wearing. And after over an 1.25 hours of walking in the drizzle, it's time to head back.

If it doesn't get too hot in the coming weeks, I'll be back.

Fun time!