Sept 25 - Catherine Pass Loop (Little Cottonwood Canyon)

 Sunny day with highs in the mid-80s.

My original plan was to hike from the end of Millcreek Canyon out to the western edge of Park City and then heading along the Wasatch Crest to Desolation Lake. And then loop back past Dog Lake. Big hike that I've never done. I've been to the Wasatch Crest stopping short of Desolation Lake by < 1 mile. And I've been to Desolation Lake as an out-n-back. But the loop would have been new (10.5 miles).

However, there's the Neff's fire burning on the Wasatch Front. I can see it from my house. After 3 days of burning it's only 60 acres. But for safety reasons, they closed of all trails north of BCC and south of Millcreek Canyon to the Big Water trail south to BCC. Huge area for such a small fire but it's for safety if the winds pick up and blow the fire east. 

So I decide to go up to Catherine's Pass in LCC. Doing my usual addition of Sunset Pass over to Devil's Castle. But this time, I'm heading down the ski cat road down to the campground then find that trail but my campsite and loop back to the Catherine's Pass trail. Should be good!

I arrive at the trail head just after 8am. The sun is still rising over the peaks and it's in the 40s.

I start up the trail. Again all dry plants at this point 

but I do find an occasional Purple Aster.

Walk is quiet pass only a few folks who are already on the way down.

No moose or deer; just chipmunks.

I reach the Pass and stop for a peek before heading up towards Sunset Pass.

I stop at my favorite view overlooking Catherine Lake and Lake Mary in the distance

before reaching the Pass. I have to continue along because there are 2 guys at the Pass (got there by motorcycles). I continue about 70 feet before stopping for my "Pass" look. 

I continue along getting a glimpse of a Grouse over before arriving near Devils Castle and the Supreme Lift. 

Then it's down the ski cat road, past Devil's Castle

to the campground and over to the Site 16 trail. 

I'm hoping I might find moose; the campground has been closed for a couple of weeks now, perhaps the animals are moving down.

But I only find some very fresh moose scat.

I finally reach the Catherine's Pass trail

and heading down the trail back to my car.

Good day!