July 12 - Twin Lake Pass (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

A sunny and near 100 degree forecast. Heading up Big Cottonwood Canyon to hike up to Twin Lakes Pass via Lake Solitude.

On the way up the canyon, I see (and the car in front too) a large bull moose in the willows at the edge of the Mill D South parking. Both of us stop; he's big boy. Then u-turn around for a better look.

Then I continue up to the Silver Lake parking where the main parking still has plenty of spots around 7am.

I gear up and start my way along the lake to the Lake Solitude trail. It's a bit cool but it'll be warmer up soon.

Yuk, lots of algae on the left side of the foot bridge. But the lake is awesome!

When I get to the trail head, four ladies ask the way to Twin Lakes. I take them up the trail until the Twin Lakes trail branches off to the left. They ask where I'm heading; I tell them hoping they won't follow and they don't (yea!)

I work my way thru the flowers (especially Horsemint) but the rest are still 1-2 week away.

At one point, a large porcupine crosses the trail several feet in front of me.

I watch him thru the vegetation until he pops out again. Think he knew I was there?

Onward to Lake Solitude (no moose, no deer, no pika).

I arrive at the lake as it's just coming into sunshine.

And then continue up the big hill. Definitely, more flowers but still 1-2 away

I'm looking for butterflies, no luck.

(I'm struggling this morning. Could be because it's hot but I push through.)

I reach the top and take a peek below before continuing up the road to the Pass trail.

Not from the trail, I find the ghostly Parnassian butterfly!

Up one more little hill (quite a few buttercups here) and heading to the Pass thru the buds and flowers. The flowers that are in bloom are beautiful but there's more to come. Some of the bloomers are: Lupine, Paintbrush, Flax, Phlox, buckwheat, etc.

I'm taking it slow because I'm looking for butterflies (and I'm tired) but only seeing more Parnassians.

I reach the Pass, check out the view down Little Cottonwood Canyon

and take a break.

Then it's time to head back thru the flowers. This time I do a couple of blues flying but nothing stopping.

As I head down, I run into some guys on bikes. Honestly I've never seen so many bikes until this year. I ask one of them if they are out-of-state but they are local. Guess they are looking to bike in stops that aren't packed with people. Crazy year!

Since there are some folks at the lake, I don't stop and just continue my way down spotting an Orangetip flying.

I'm almost at the switchback, I see a couple of flyers; I think Purplish Coppers based on the color I think.

Then it's across the switchback stopping briefly for an approaching Pika.

Good day!