Aug 21 - Twin Lake Loop (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

 Sunny with highs near 100 degrees today and it's smokey from wildfires somewhere in the West.

Heading up to hike to Twin Lakes this morning. My plan is to  hike the length of the lake to get a view from the other side. First time I'll be over there this year.

I leave my house just after 7am. The valley is really smokey this morning; maybe it'll be better up high.

Heading up the canyon the trail heads are far less crowded than other Fridays this summer (yea!) Must be that fact that schools are starting (finally).

I arrive at Silver Lake and there's plenty of parking in the main lot. I gear up and start around Silver Lake to the trail head.

Smokey view this morning at Silver Lake but still pretty.

On the drive up, I was debating to go my normal way past Lake Solitude or go directly to Twin Lakes. Well, my decision was made by 2 ladies on the trail ahead up me going towards Lake Solitude. My first direct trip to Twin Lakes since early Spring.

As I pass the rock slide on the switchback, I see a couple of Pika. 

Very smokey down there!

And then it's the steep climb up through mostly dead flowers to the lake. There are Asters and a Yellow Composite still in bloom for some "pretty" color.

Before long, I've made it to the dam. I head around the dam to some wonderful views.

Then I start the walk down the lake to the other side enjoying the views along the way.

And see a few Pika along the way.

The flowers along the way are dry here as well but I do see a Clouded Sulphur on my way down.

Lots of deer tracks along the trail; a regular highway of deer prints!

I reach the other side and find a large rock for a brief rest.

It's time to head back to the dam. Along the way I see a single Ruddy Copper.

After reaching the dam, I make my way to the trail heading up to my perch over the lakes. I pass a couple of deer/moose beds and some good blooms of flowers with several Frits (probably Mormon) enjoying the flowers.

Time to head up above the lakes 

and then make my way down to Lake Solitude.

As I round one of the final switchbacks to Lake Solitude, I get a glimpse of a deer running up thru the woods.

Then it's down to Lake Solitude and back to Silver Lake.

Good day!