Sept 20 - Twin Lakes (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

Sunny day with a high in the upper 70s (yes, a cool down; hopefully it last for a while).

Heading up to hike up to Twin Lakes. Lots of choices but at this point of the season, this is just a comfort hike.

Heading up BCC, the trees continue to change but the colors aren't vibrant this year and in some cases, the leaves are just falling. Mid-canyon, the colors are really nice. Guess its time to hike up to Desolation Lake; need to request a vacation day or two.

Also near mid-canyon, I see a bunch of cars pulled off on the south side of the road with cameras in hand. I suspect its a moose and I do get a glimpse of a moose - looks like a bull. I think about stopping but after looking in my rear view mirror at the number of cars behind me, I decide to continue.

The aspen farther up are either yellowing or fallen; it's a bit disappointing but happens when there's no rain.

I arrive at Silver Lake and shockingly grab the last spot; there wasn't this many people last week perhaps its because of the rain yesterday.

It's 35 degrees when I head out onto the frosty boardwalk. The vegetation is browner this week.

No moose or deer around; just a few ducks in the lake.

I reach the trail and head off to Lake Solitude. 

Boy, people are out early today as I run into 3 people heading back to Silver Lake; a group at the Lake Solitude and 2 people already heading up the big hill to Twin Lakes. Perhaps I should have left earlier.

Along the way to Lake Solitude, I see a buck (same area as last week; could this be the same guy with his velvet shedded?)

a Pika (and his food piles);

a lone deer - oh wait, there's a group of 5 nearby. Looks like a buck, doe and 3 babies. Cool.

Lake Solitude is really low -- need some snow.

I start up the hill behind two people. But I soon pass the two; they are heading back down.

Then it's up to the top and the view down onto Twin Lakes. Lake is definitely lower but still pretty high for this time of year.

I head up to my perch for a rest. So nice and quiet up here; not even a bird. But I do hear water running; I think they've opened the dam to lower the water levels before the snow starts falling. Guess I find out soon when I reach the lake.

I get down from my perch and take a few step down hill when 2 grouse fly! I turn around and track one in a tree. Pretty cool!

Now it's down to the lake.

I decide to take the trail along the lake for just a bit before turning around and heading down hill. I stop on the opposite side of the dam and yes, it's open and running.

Soon I'm on the switchbacks and then down to Silver Lake.

Good day!