June 26 - Snake Creek Pass (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

Sunny day with highs near 90 degrees.

Heading up Big Cottonwood Canyon to hike up to Snake Creek Pass (10,200 ft)

Silver Lake parking is already crowded and it's barely 8am - thought it was a Saturday but it's only a another Covid Friday.

The Brighton parking a much less crowded, so I gear up for climb up the ski slope. Plants are getting taller. Bluebells, Forget-me-knots, Cinquefoil are blooming with a few Paintbrush. Really, an uneventful climb.

I reach the Dog Lake trail and head up to see the lake. There's still water but no moose. :(

But several ground squirrels and chipmunks running around and plenty of Wallflowers in bloom.

I continue up the trail heading to Snake Creek Pass.

This trails is mostly thru a pine forest but at times breaks out into the open for a short time. From here I can see Silver Lake.

Lots of Spring Beautys on the first part of the trail. Most are only in buds at this point

At some point, the flowers switch over to Buttercups.

There are patches of snow to cross but they are short and not an issue.

But I know it I reach the road and start another climb to the Pass.

I reach the Pass and check out the awesome view east towards Heber City and Mt Timp.

The only flowers blooming at the Pass are some Paintbrush.

I continue up to the ski lift. I'm looking for butterflies but I think it's way too early. As I walk up, I catch a glimpse of the shadow of a butterfly. I look up and see a midsize butterfly that flies over the side of the mountain. It's probably just a Painted Lady.

I reach the lift and look down below at the Twin Lakes dam.

I continue past the lift and up to my normal stopping point. The vegetation is barely up now - definitely no butterflies.

I reach my spot and enjoy the views for a bit.

Time to head down.

I'm finding many Bluebells that are about ready to bloom on the way down.

I'm down a good ways and in the forest when I see a butterfly! I'm thinking Comma, Tortoiseshell but nope, it's a Fritillary! (Callipe, I think.)

Odd that there's are no Blues (or early season bflys) out but a Frit is flying! Strange!

A little farther down the trail and crossing the last meadow when I see a little butterfly. It's a Two-Banded Skipper!

I make my way through the last wooded  section and reach the Dog Lake again. Still looking for butterflies and I actually find one -- a Silvery Blue!

Great day!