June 18 - Cecret Lake (Little Cottonwood Canyon)

Sunny day with temps in the low 70s forecast.

Decided to take the day off today. I'm supposed to be in Alaska right now heading to a 5 day basecamp trip somewhere in the NW corner of the state looking for critters but because this darn virus was released into the entire world instead of being contained locally as it should have, the trip was cancelled. So calm my disappointment/anger, I need a high elevation fix.

I've tried several times to make it to Cecret Lake when there's still ice/snow on the lake. I'm hoping today will be the day! And considering there were flurries yesterday and this morning temps will be near 30 degrees, I think I have a good chance.

Chilly morning as I pull in at the Wildcat base. Definitely, crisp this morning and very happy I have gloves. I make the 1/2 mile walk towards the trail head only to find the trail head is closed with the detour pointing back to the summer road. Crap! If I'm going to walk the summer road, I might as well park there so I head back to my car and drive to the parking near the closed summer road.

Once there, I start up the summer road. At the end of the 1st stretch, I find the detour back to the the Albion Meadow trail and up I go.

As expected, there lots of mud, patches of snow and green. Short but lush green. I find Spring Beauty here and there.

And ground squirrels.

The views as I continue forward are awesome as always.

I reach the Sugarloaf lift and instead of taking the normal trail over to Cecret Lake, I decide to take the Sugarloaf Road. I tried the normal trail early last year but with the creek crossing (wet cold feet) and having to deal with snow piles on the switchback, I think the road is the best but steeper option. So up the road I go stopping first at some Buttercup.

So far the trail has been snow free other the a patch at the turn off for the detour and one just before the Sugarloaf Lift but now I've found snow. Not sure how much is on the steep road but there's still a foot+ everywhere.

I have micro spikes in my backpack but I'm not slipping so I just continue up. It's slow and not the prettiest of a hiking pace but I'm enjoying the trip.

I reach a point where I think (and hope) I've reached the lake but unfortunately, I come out just in time for the normal trail's switchbacks. It looks pretty clear but I'm heading back to the snowy road and continue up.

Whew! Finally reach the turnoff for the lake and find a fantastic icy lake with some snow piles. Just want I hoped for!

And there's no one around. Perfect! The lake is all mine and I explore the views.

And another species of Buttercup.

It's chilly here with the wind so the winter jacket goes on. (Its only in the 40s.)

It's quiet; I hear water running and birds chirping; and the noise of ski construction too!

I take a seat to enjoy it all!

While there I see a couple of Marmots running around near the lake.

After about a 1/2 hour, it's time to head back.

I work my way back to the road. Closest I'll ever come to skiing!

It's micro spike time! They help but I still slip down the road.

I catch a glimpse of Marmot running across the road.

 And there's another back down by the Sugarloaf lift.

Back at the meadow for the final trip back to the car.

Great day!