June 10 - Lambs Canyon Trail

Finally, it's time to get to the top of Lambs Canyon for the 1st time this year!

Sunny day with highs in the mid-70s in the valley; it's in the mid-60s at the trail head when arrive around 3:30 pm.

Not really expecting many butterflies today. After near record & record setting temperatures in the valley last week, a cold front blew through and we've been in the 50s for high (over a 40 degree swing). The higher elevations experienced a couple of nights of below freezing temperatures and snow (several inches). Crazy for the 1st part of June!

As I drive up the canyon and pass a wet dirt pull-off several butterflies fly. I think about stopping but continue along.

I arrive at the parking; there are 4 other cars there.

I see a couple of butterflies flying including a CA Tortoiseshell and an unknown Comma. I also see a Spring Azure. The muddy area is empty of butterflies . :(

Time to start up the trail (1400 ft elevation to a high of 8100 ft).

The trail is wet and the vegetation is getting higher and more full. The wet soil should be a good attractant for bflies but scattering only a few Blues.

I see a bright smaller flyers but unknown as to whether they are N. Crescents or N Checkerspots.

There are a few white & pink geraniums blooming now.

Virgins Bowers is still blooming along the way.

It definitely snowed here as many of the plants are flattened to the ground and I find spots of snow in various places especially the higher I go.

The surprise of the day happens near the start of the trail; a beautiful Parnassian!! One of my favorites!

The trail is pretty quiet except the sound of the flowing creek. The sound is much quieter than it has been in past weeks as the run-off is about done.

As I continue to climb, I see several CA Tortoiseshells along the way.

And a caterpillar; definitely a moth though.

I reach the meadow and continue on. The trail is muddier the rest of the way to the top. The only bloomers are white violets.

On the final stretch, I see yet another CA Tortoiseshell and a Mustard White.

Finally the top and an awesome view down to the valley

and of some snowy mountains!

I always thought heading left at the top would take me into Millcreek Canyon. Nope, in another 1.5 miles and 500ft it leads to what appears from the map is a campground. Note to self, need to check it out.

Time to head down.

Back at the parking lot, I again search for butterflies and have some luck with a Northern Cloudywing

and a Northern Crescent.

Good day!