Sept 26 - Twin Lake Reservoir

Last day before a Fall Storm drops temps and bring rain to the valley and snow to the mountains (down to 7500 foot levels -- at least that's the predication). Probably the last time to see the full Fall colors in the higher elevations. (The winds yesterday were really knocking down leaves on my hike to Desolation Lake and the winds are supposed to be stronger today.)

I originally was heading to White Pine Lake. But after yesterday, I just don't feel like a 10 mile hike. Thought about Albion Basin, Brighton Lakes but decided to go to Twin Lake Reservoir and, hopefully, Twin Lakes Pass.

Beautifully sunny in the valley this morning but as I get closer to the Big Cottonwood entrance, there's a big dark cloud hanging over the mountains --- there's no threat of rain this morning so the cloud is curious to me. But up I go. Many more people heading up the canyon this morning -- it was empty yesterday.

I pass Millcreek D parking lot (from yesterday) and I'm in an explosion of yellow aspens. Really very pretty!

I park at the Nordic Center and have located the big black cloud -- right over the ski resorts (and the Nordic Center). Ugh!

But I take off anyway. It's a little cool. Not many people out but I think the kids must not have school today because there's a bunch of kids running around. Hmm!

It's already very windy --  hopefully, it'll blow the clouds away soon.

Despite the shade, the meadow, in all different shades of tan, looks great as the foreground to the mountains. I walk around counter-clockwise to get to the TH faster. There's some nice reflection is the smaller pools of water this morning. (The lake has a lot of algae on top.)

I start the trail through aspens -- so beautiful. And up above Silver Lake. I wait for an opening in the clouds for the sun to shine through to get the best experience.

Then its just a push uphill over a very rocky path to the Twin Lakes.

Very windy up here! I find a nice rock on the beach and enjoy the view - and watch the clouds zoom over -- they are moving fast, but they just keep coming :(.

There some nice yellow/orange trees down the beach from me.

I finally get tired of waiting and start to head back but first take a little detour on a trail that goes above the lake -- the one I would take if I went to Twin Lake Pass (which I'm not because its too windy). I stop to get an above view of the lake.

Now I'm heading down. Spot a Field Crescent flying around -- very low to the ground, out of the wind.

Many more people heading up now even groups of kids.

I get to the trail above Silver Lake and the sun has peaked out of the clouds and there's some awesome views.

I see a Pika on the rocks.

Back down by Silver Lake, it looks like a Saturday/Sunday -- so many people, strollers, etc. Time to go home. :)

But the views heading back around the lake are sure better than they were earlier. What a difference a little sun makes.

Shorter than expected day, but still good.