That's a backpacking trip; my goal is simply the 1st 5+ miles to the Basin. Thought about going to Jordan Lake (~6 miles) but that's 2 extra miles I have to walk -- that's a long hike at 10,000 ft of elevation. (There's always next summer.)
The basin sits behind Mount Agassiz which I saw yesterday from the Highline TH. The mountain is , named for a well-known Swiss-American naturalist - Louis Agassiz. Several of the lakes in the basin are named after students of Agassiz's -- many well-known scientists or naturalists as well - hence the name Naturalist Basin.
In the morning, start my trip back to the Uintas with a deer sighting. A doe, she just casually walked across the highway to a barbed-wire fence and leapt over it and walked away. Perfect start to the morning -- not too mention its a couple of degrees warmer today - yea!
Got to the trailhead (the Highline Trail) just before 9am. Plenty of parking available.
Although the trail is 5 miles long, there are some nice mileage markers to look forward to along the way: at 0.7 miles is the trail to Mirror Lake; at 2 miles is Scudder Lake; at 3 miles is the trail to Packard Lake and at 4.2 miles the trail to Naturalist Basin and the Highline Trail split. One more mile I'm there.
The trail starts downhill, pretty much the same landscape as yesterday - thick fir/spruce forest, running water, and big open meadows. The morning sun adds a nice glow to the forest.
The trail itself changes between just dirt (or mud), to a more tricky dirt with rocks/tree roots, to boardwalks, to just rocky - but it never climbs to steeply which is nice. Lots of little streams to walk by or over.
I stop to tie my shoe. My foot is resting on a long log when this little chipmunk comes running down the log in my direction carrying a pine cone in his mouth. He was oblivious of me until he got about 5 feet away. He spotted me (can a chipmunk look startled?) turned around and sped off very fast down the log. Cute!
The first meadow I came upon was really stunning with the golden brown hues of the grasses and red low bushes. (The mountains in the background weren't so bad either.)
Then came Scudder Lake. My book said it was off to the south but I thought it would be very visible. from the trail Not so much, only peaks of it through the trees.
I come upon the next meadow. I scan hoping to see a moose or other wildlife. But nothing. Then I look up the trail and there's a Mule Deer (doe) crossing from the meadow across the trail and into the woods. She stops and looks in my direction. I think she's trying to decide whether I'm friend or foe but she takes a couple of steps towards me and then freezes.
A few seconds later, she prances off into the forest. :)
The meadow has a nice view of one of the mountains behind it.
Soon I reach the Packard Lake trail -- I'm moving at a good pace - I like that. No views of Packard Lake because it's about 1.5 miles down the trail.
I actually find some flowers -- just a few purple asters.
There are lots of birds flitting around and I can hear the knocks of many woodpeckers.
Finally, I'm at the Highline Trail junction! Only one more mile to go!!!
At last, I see my first people of the day; 3 men coming down from an overnight fishing trip.
There's another meadow -- but not the one I'm waiting for. I'm really excited, I can feel it getting closer. And then finally, I hear the creek I'm expecting. Then I see the creek with beautiful red fall foliage along her shores AND with a large rock formation (the Uinta Cliffs) in the background.
Even down stream looks fantastic!!
I see a couple of Gray Jays flying around the meadow.
I walk on the stepping stones to cross the creek.
This is where the trail starts the circle of the basin. I'm not doing the circle or even a portion of it but I'm very intrigued and continue down the trail to the right for at least a little ways. I find a great spot for lunch. Can't beat the view.
Find a mountain gentian blooming in the meadow.
After lunch, I decide to continue along the trail. I really want to get past the Unitas Cliffs to see the full mountain view. As I get further, Mt Agazzi comes into view.
But I start to climb heading up to Jordan Lake, time to turn around (for another day).
On the way back down the meadow, I spot a little pond to the left - don't know how I missed it.
I'm back to the stream crossing, taking one last look. I spot a Milbert's Tortoiseshell and surprisedly a Lilac Bordered Copper (he still looked pretty fresh -- surprised he's still flying especially with the freezing temperatures at night).
Now one last view and its just the long walk back.
I had a stare down with a chipmunk -- he just sat there barking and waving his tail.
Saw more people on the way back. There were 3 folks almost to Naturalist Basin; 2 guys on pack horses heading back to the TH; and 3 people on horses heading up.
Also saw a California Tortoiseshell -- again a little shocking for me due to the time of year.
I managed to get back just after 3:30 and boy am I tired and hungry. But it was a fantastic hike!! Can't wait for next year -- definitely getting to one lake and hopefully with the meadows filled with flowers.
Hoping for a quick drive back to Evanston but .... in my life, I've been stopped while driving by people, other cars, squirrel, rabbits, birds, cows, deer, bison but today, its a Sheep Jam!!!
A moving roadblock brought to HWY 150 by the WY sheep herders -- I'm assuming just bringing the herd back down to winter pasture. Totally hilarious!!!
Super day!
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