July 2 - Twin Lakes Loop (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

Sunny day with temps in the 90s.

Heading up to hike the Twin Lakes loop after work.

Easy drive up the canyon but the trail heads are still crowded. I'll pull up to Silver Lake parking - WOW! It's packed. I've hiked after work here for 8 years now and never have I seen anything like this!! Incredible!

Fortunately, I am able to find what looked like the last parking spot in the overflow across the street.

But it's odd, as I walk to the trail head around the boardwalks, I really don't see that many people -- expect on the bridge - a little Covid nightmare for me.

Then around the rest of the lake.

I'm relieved when I reach the trail to Lake Solitude.

I find White Columbine in bloom on my way to Lake Solitude!!

As well as a few Red Paintbrush, Bluebells, Cinquefoil, etc)

A little more blooms showing up but far from peak bloom.

Quiet walk, no moose (first time) and 2 sets of people.

I arrive at Lake Solitude in no time at all.

I round the lake and start the uphill portion of the hike. Yes, I'm looking for butterflies but not finding any. Note: I did see a couple of Swallowtails and a Margined White in the forest.

Up the hill and then it's the view of Twin Lakes.

I think about going to the Pass but instead, I just go to my perch where I have my sandwich and enjoy the views and peace.

Time to head down to the lake. I see a Pika along the way and he's already collecting vegetation for winter.

I reach Twin Lakes. Definitely higher than it was a week ago but it's far from full. Last 2 years it's been full; not this year.

There's too many people here for me to stay so down I go.

I reach the switchback but there a large group of people ahead. Hoping to get past them so I don't have to follow them down.

I have learned through these Covid months that people are really unaware of personal space. Many times I've gone to go around 2-3 people taking the whole road/trail and they don't move to one side. You just have to "split the upright" - not good. Large groups are worse because there's more people to go through. And that was the switchback. Three hikers (or I should visitors) who just stood across the whole trail while I try to squeeze by on the edge (and yes, they all saw me). And then the large group stopped at the rock slide looking at a Pika. They did move but to both side so I had to weave through them. I'm counting on not getting the virus from these encounters but they irritate me to no end. People are just not aware.

Anyway it's a good hike but can't wait to the butterflies start flying.