June 3 - Twin Lakes (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

It's 84 degrees and mostly sunny when I leave my house just after 3pm. Heading up to hike Twin Lakes today. I have YakTrak and micro-spikes just in case but expect with the near record/record setting temperatures we've been having, it should be pretty snow-free. Maybe the switchback and the hill up from Lake Solitude would still have snow.

Definitely greening up as I drive up.

As I drive by the Mill D South parking lot, I spot a moose in the willows. He has stayed hidden because there are no people watching it. I drive past but circle back for a better view.

He (and yes, it's a he) is only there for a few seconds before disappearing into the willows.

I reach the Twin Lakes parking. I park in the extra lot but perhaps I could've found a spot in the normal lot. It's about 73 degrees.

The lake area is totally melted. Looks muddy and yuk.

Many folks on the foot bridge fishing today. I squeeze through and head up the trail towards Lake Solitude. I want to take the back way up to Twin Lakes.

Lots of Avalanche Lilies in bloom.

The trail is clear and not too far on my way, I spot a lone deer laying in the trees.

As far as plants, I'm finding Waterleaf, bluebell, yellow & white violets and bunches of Spring Beauty.

Somewhere after crossing under the ski lift I come upon a decent patch of snow the trail. As I start to pick my way across, I see movement cross the trail ahead of me from left to right. It's a moose! And he hides (not so successfully behind a tree).

I recross the snow patch to try and get better view. I watch her nose for a bit before she finally starts munching on some vegetation.

I back up a bit farther and she's comfortable enough to cross the trail a resume her dinner.

I'm not getting through this way so I turn around and take the shortcut up to the switchback (i.e., the direct way to Twin Lakes).

The switchback is mostly clear except a large patch with still a couple of feet of snow.

Across and time to climb! There's still bunches of snow around but I can make it up the trail without stepping on much of it.

Lots of green popping out from the ground.

Not far from the top

I start seeing Avalanche Lilies and a few buttercups.

The big surprise is Sheridan's Hairstreak!

I reach the lake and much of the ice is now melted.

Still pretty low but there's still plenty of snow in the mountains to fill it up.

Head up higher for a better view

and then return. I start heading down but take a very short detour to the other side of the dam. I see a beautiful bird that I think is an Audubon's Warbler.

On return, I see a lone Marmot on the rocks.

Don't see them often anymore so it's always to one.

And many chipmunks scurrying around Silver Lake.

Awesome day!