July 16 - Lofty Lakes Loop - Back to the Uintas

Today I head back to the Uintas to do some hiking. Attempting Lofty Lake Loop. It approximately a 4mile loop. The trailhead is at 10,100 ft and to complete the loop (or at least get to Lofty Lake) its an 800 ft climb.

I intended to get an early start this morning. Was up, showered, walked into my kitchen and the power went out. Came back on in less than a minute but it went back off in less than a minute. This repeatedly several times before the power really went out. No big deal, I'm heading out anyway so I finish breakfast, pack and....then I realize without power, I'm not getting my car out of the garage. (boo!)

I went outside and found my neighbor to see if he had any brilliant ideas which he did. And we did manage to get the door opened (it's a secret).

So I can go (yea!) but I'm getting later start than I wanted to be.

Sunny day today. I drive directly to Pass Lake where the trail is supposed to start. I find one trail but according to my guide, its not the right trailhead - it should be across the street. I find a trail and follow it for a bit. There are trail signs but pointing to Cuberant Lake and not Lofty Lake. So I turned around and headed back. On the way back I saw a sign for Pass Lake Trailhead, walked it for a bit before going back the way I came in. When I exited, I saw people heading into a trail just a bit up the road - oops that's Pass Lake Trailhead; I was parked by Pass Lake.

I get to the trailhead. It had a nice map which showed Cuberant Lake; its a turn off on the Lofty Loop trail. I was heading in the right direction after all. So I followed the Cuberant Lake signs; finally heading in the right direction (and walking on trail I've already been on).

Anyway, the trail was beautiful as it heads through the pine forest. Its mostly shaded but the sun shines through in spots. There are lots of wet areas -- with damselflies and dragonflies about

and white bog orchid, elephanthead blooming; there are also purple asters, bistort, arnica, and small queen's anne lace in bloom (and many others of course).

One of the first butterflies I see is the Purplish Frit -- especially on the first part of this trail. I'm also seeing Milbert's Tortoiseshell and CA Tortoiseshell (finally see one -- dorsal view only).

In the muddy areas, I see deer tracks.

There are more streams now; some require a little rock hopping, others are just muddy and some have little footbridges. In the wetter areas, there is Hellebore (not blooming) and Marsh Marigold. I also find a few Shooting Stars at the end of their bloom.

Scattered in the drier areas were very dark purple penstemon - beautiful.

And I haven't even gotten to Reid's Meadow yet!!!

Most of the alpine meadows I've seen are rather small, but at 10,000ft Reid's Meadow is acres long and wide! It's still a wet meadow and its filled with Elephant's Head (lots of it), Bog Orchids, Marsh Marigold and Asters. It's amazing!! I can see Sulpher Bflies flitting throughout the meadow. And the backdrop, Bald Mountain and Reid's Peak. Pretty stunning.

I see a Painted Lady and Chryxus Arctic bfly as pass.

I finally get to a few lakes that mark the turn-off to Cuberant Lake. I follow the sign to Lofty Lakes. There are 3 small lakes but they each are unique with their reflections, branches, etc.

And the real climbing begins to Kamas Lake. It's only 0.4mile but its 520 ft in elevation to the lake at 10,520 ft. A lot of heavy breathing up that rock hill. But the reward was a big lake tucked against the mountains!

I continue along the shoreline to the dam on its NW corner.

There's still some water flowing over the dam to a tiny lake on the other side of the trail. Again, there's another meadow (same flowers).

Another steep climb leads me to a "bench" with an awesome view of the High Uintas. I can see Curberant and Cutthroat Lakes below.

I go downhill to an unoffical look-out point on a large rock to enjoy the views. Its after 12pm now so its a great spot for lunch. Spot some bflys flitting around: Grizzled Skipper, Arctic Blue, Mormon Frit.

There are clouds coming in now. Not sure whether to continue on, its one last steep climb. But its windy (the trail is exposed and steep now) and some of the clouds look like rain. I decide to backtrack -- I'll get to Lofty Lakes another day. (Sometimes I feel I'm too cautious especially on a new trail, but I'll get there.)

On the trip back downhill, I took more time to explore the meadows for butterflies -- and they were flying: Draco Skipper, Relict Frits, Mormon Frit, Arctic Blues, a Melissa Blue, Purplish Coppers,... a great look at a super fresh & bright Milbert's,

saw CA Tortioseshells flying -- could see their orange upper wings flashing with each flap of the wing.

On the bottom part of the trail, I finally get an awesome view of a CA Tortoiseshell!!! My first view of its upper wings.

The day started a bit rocky (power outage, can't find the trail) but it turned out great - even if I didn't quite make it to my destination.