May 25 - Twin Lakes (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

It's Memorial Day! Remember our fallen military folks for giving and protecting our freedoms today because that's what the holiday is all about!

Well the temperatures are heading toward a high of 70 degrees with sunshine.

Heading up a  Big Cottonwood Canyon to reach Twin Lakes today. I'm hoping the lake is still frozen.

I leave around 6:30 am to beat the holiday crowds.

As I drive up, I spot a deer crossing a the road.

And in less than a mile later, there's another deer crossing! As I pass, there's actually 2 deer there!

When I arrive there are a few cars in the lots and the Silver Lake trail is for the most part melted. It's very frosty when I arrive as the temperatures are in the 20s and the sun is still coming up over the mountains. Crunch, crunch, crunch as I make my way over the boardwalk.

I cross the bridge and continue around the lake. Even on the right side, it melted with just a few sections of snow left.

Silver Lake is still has frozen sections especially this frosty morning.

I hear Mallards but can't find them.

I reach the turn off towards Twin Lakes/ Lake Solitude and I'm surprised the trail is clear. (I thought I'd be putting on my spike here.)

I continue along and reach the trail intersection. Hey, there's clear trail towards Lake Solitude; it may be worth trying later this week (with 90+ degree temps coming to the valley this week, it should be melted pretty good).

I continue up through the forest up towards the switchback.

I pass plenty of signs of Spring as Bluebells, Meadow Rue are emerging. I also find a few blooming (and budding) Glacier Lilies in one small section.

I reach the switchback and now it's time to stop and put on the spikes.

And watch a Pika.

I continue across the switchback

and then reach the uphill section. There's a nice path up towards the dam. (I must be late this year as last year, I blazed the trail.)

I take my time stopping to enjoy the sights and that crispness of the morning.

I'm on the last uphill section when I spot what looks like a family just reaching the dam. Shoot! I thought I'd have the lake to myself. Oh well! Good for them for being out.

I reach the dam,

head around and then stop at a rock to remove some gear. I then head downhill to the lake's edge at the dam. To take a look at the still frozen (totally frozen) lake (and avoid getting the family in my views).

Pretty cool!

I think about heading even higher but decide to just head down.

On my way down, I see/hear squirrels, a chipmunk and a ground squirrel

and two Pikas on the rock slope.

Fantastic day!