May 16: Little Cottonwood Trail

It 79 degrees and cloudy. Beautiful day. Time for an after work hike on the Little Cottonwood trail. Last time I was here (a week or so), there was actually water running in the creek near the parking area; I'm pretty sure (despite the Spring Snow storm last week-end), the bottom portion of the creek will have more water in it.

I get to the parking lot and get out of my car expecting to here water and all I heard were cars driving by. I know they siphon the water out to a reserviour but that's a lot of water that disappears after one pumping station!!!

As I'm getting ready, I hear rustling in the woods. I look and can't see anything so its either lizards, birds or chipmunks and start my walk. I wasn't sure what to expect butterfly-wise as we did have a hard freeze overnight a couple of times early in the week. There weren't a lot flying (but its also 3pm - not prime-time) but they were there. Especially the Painted Ladies. I saw a lot here last time and over on the Mormon Trail and they're still having a good year! Saw fresh ones and ones that were a little beat up.

Also saw Sara Orangetips (the females are now at the bottom of the trail) and Mustard/Margined Whites. Also saw a couple of pretty fresh Rocky Mt Duskywings. And Juba Skippers and a Mylitta Crescent.

The flowering trees are now in bloom and some smell pretty wonderful. Even the bflys are enjoying them.

The lupine are just starting to bloom. As well as many other flowers including Woodland Star

 and Forget-me-nots.

As I go up, I see my 1st Anise Swallowtail on this trail. And once again, he is very cooperative for a photo -- last year, it took me a very long time to actually get a photo -- this year, nectar seems more important that fluttering about. :)

Once I get past the 1st electric/water station, the water starts flowing. Definitely, higher than last time (as I would expect). .

The Solomon's Seal is just starting to bloom. For the most part, the plants are scattered around but in this one spot, they are lined up like soldiers.

Further up the trail, the Waterleaf is in full bloom.

I make it to the last part of the trail and the stream and trail are still one. Another detour is required. I get to the end of the trail and for once I don't have it to myself. There are a lot of bikers on the trail today. I stop for a few minutes and start heading back down.

I get past the first bridge and I again hear movement alongside the trail. I look and see a snake slithering though the plants into the woods. Its a thin snake but as I'm watching him, I notice a bigger body (or its a branch). When I can't see the snake anymore, I look down and that's a big snake body (3 times as wide as the other one I was watching). I look left and see a tiny snake head. Certainly doesn't go with the body. So I move left a little more and now there's 2 heads!!

And the other is the right size for the body. Both snakes are frozen still. Three snakes in the same area -- I'm wondering if they just woke up from hibernation. And I'm wondering if its snakes that are rustling in the brush near the parking lot - hmmmm!

May 11 - Capitol Reef

Watched the weather first thing this morning, they're saying the same as last night (winter weather advisory for Torrey but there are warnings throughout the Central Mts). They are saying rain could start in Torrey in the early afternoon.

Time to get moving. Heading towards Lower Spring Canyon. I heard its quite beautiful (another shot at a slot canyon for me -- 3s a charm, hopefully). There are 2 entrances one off the road near the Grand Wash parking area and the other off the Chimney Rock trail. I'm going for the Chimney Rock trail; it'll take me longer (2.5miles) to get to the canyon but I'll get to see some of the backcountry.

Its cloudy and 44 when I set off around 8am, the parking lot only had 2 other cars. My first task was to pick up 2 bags of Wendy's garbage that some idiot decided to leave next to the parking pavement instead of walking 50ft to the garbage can -- think they can haul the food from the nearest Wendy's 50 miles away but can't make it 50 more feet. Lovely folks :(

Then I set off. Its cloudy (somewhat looks like rain) and cool but there's no wind (Yea! after the gale that was blowing yesterday. But the winds are coming as part of the storm system).

Lots of flowers, the Yellow Catpaw, a different pink/purplish penstemon,

Prince's Plume (yellow), the Whitestem Evening Primrose (this one looks much more "happier" and fresher than the ones I saw yesterday)

and many others. The yucca plants have sent flower stalks up and some of the cactus' have buds.

The views of Chimney Rock were wonderful. But now I have to climb 240ft in 1/4 mile to get to the Spring Canyon trailhead. So up I went. Lots of great views as I climbed -- I could see in spots that aren't visible from the road.

I got to my trail and headed north/east through the backcountry. The trail is a well-worn path with great views and lovely flowers.

I really don't know what to say about it --- it's just raw beauty.

I can see the wash below and the trail appears to be following it between 2 tall rock formations ahead.

My "formal" trail ends as I drop into the wash. I'm a little wary because of the forecasted rain but its not like it will dump suddenly to cause a huge flood (maybe later tonight).

The wash is a sandy/small pebbly mixture (good exercise). Lots of shrubs and pines down there (including the skeletons of the dead pine).

As I go, the wash gets narrower. My first obstacle is a blockage of rocks. But I just follow a little worn path up and over.

There are other spots which seem to be blocked but somehow the trail just winds right on thru. (There was one spot that I'm very happy I have long legs because I had get over a 3 ft v-shaped rock.

Its hard to put in perspective the height of the canyon walls without having a person reference..

I find a balancing rock!

I travel the 2.5 miles but there is no lower Spring Canyon. I go another 1/4 miles, and still nothing. My "uncomfortable" level is rising -- because according to the trail guide I should be there, when a lady comes walking up the trail. She tells me that I'm 5minutes away from the Upper/Lower Spring Canyon sign and less than a mile to the Lower Spring Canyon trail; so I keep going.

I continue on and sure enough, there's the sign for the Upper/Lower markers. I continue on -- the trail is changing, a lot more rocks, a little narrower - I must be getting close. But after 4-5 "just one more corner", its just time to turn around -- I've gone 3.5 miles already. (And I'm sure the narrows were around the next corner.)

Strike 3 on the slot canyons -- at least I stopped myself and not the trail (but somehow this is not more disappointing --- I'm just not comfortable to continue to push forward -- its mostly the threat of rain and strong winds -- don't want to make this week's news).

It was a great trip though -- glad I took it --  maybe next time since I'm now familiar with the trail I'll make it to the narrows.

So I head back. And the wind has picked up. When I get out of the wash and back on the trail, I can't even keep my cap on. It had cleared up a bit (and was sunny) on my way up the wash but the sky is gloomy now. And it's cold. I would stop to put on my jacket but I don't have that much further to go.

I find a blooming plant that I didn't see on the way out -- it's a Round-leafed Milkweed.

And I find Daffy Duck -- I think Daffy might be on Elmer Fudd's head.

The people coming up the trail have ski caps and winter coats -- I'm still in a cap and long sleeved shirt. It seems so much colder out but when I start my car, its 62 degrees --- its a very cold wind.

Well that's my day. The clouds are rolling in. I can see its raining but probably not reaching the ground. I decided I'm heading back to SLC - just don't want to risk the snow threat, its a long drive above 6000ft.

The event of the drive back was a 12mile stretch that warns of frequent deer/elk crossing. So I'm looking for them. Instead I see 5 (or so) Pronghorn running towards the HWY. They looked like they'll cross in front of my car. As I start to brake, they put on the brakes, turned around and trotted away from the HWY. Pretty cool.

Made it home without getting rained on. I check the weather forecast for Torrey and surrounding mountains, the Weather Advisory has been upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning (12-24 inches of snow and 20-30 mph winds) thru 10pm on Sunday. Glad I went home :)

May 10 - Capitol Reef

It's my 3 day week-end and its time to escape SLC for southern UT and Capitol Reef. When I made the reservations on Tues - no rain, 50-60s perfect weather. Well that changed Thursday when I looked and saw Fri & Sat were good but Sun 39 degrees for a high -- might have to rethink Sunday but I've brought 2 sets of gloves; ears muffs and a wool cap (I'm ready for anything! I hope.)

SLC was raining when I left at 8am on Firday and it was supposed to rain the entire day - let it rain!!! Had rain most of the way to my turn-off in Nephi and the clouds just followed me down. This is the 1st time I've driven south thru Nephi to HWY 70 and it was all ranchland -- farms, cattle, sheep, goats, horses, llamas (or alpaca, hard to tell apart). And its Spring, so there were lots of calves, lambies (some still with their long tails), colts, baby goats!!! Kept my interest.

There were also lots of hawks flying or perched on fence posts. Scared one off the road, BIG bird and either a dead snake in it mouth or the guts of some roadkill.

I came upon a pretty decent size lake; actually Koosharem Reservoir. There were a number of large white birds on the lake. Thought they might be swans but as I got closer, they were actually white pelicans!

Took about 3.5 hrs to get to Torrey UT ele 6800ft (which is pretty much where everyone stays when visiting Capitol Reef --- just a very small town with tourist business).

My goal today was to make another attempt at a slot canyon (failed last year at Little Wild Horse because there was a big rock in my way that I couldn't figure out how to get around or over; and I wasn't sure I was in the right spot -- abort!!). I've heard a lot about Notom Rd which is just east of Capitol Reef park from several folks at work. There are several slot canyons: Burro Wash, Cottonwood Wash, and Sleets Gulch. They are have varying degrees of difficulty. One of the guys I work with recommended Sleets Gulch as its the easiest (and its his wife's favorite.) So I drove thru the park to Notom Rd then headed south.

I was expecting just barren nothingness since it is on the other side of the Waterpocket Fold (i.e. a 100 miles N/S "wrinkle" in the earth's crust) but there were a good number of dirt roads heading somewhere and a few ranches. I first past the parking area for Burro Wash and then Cottonwood along the paved road. Then the road turns to dirt; and about 4 miles further was the parking area for Sheets Gulch.

A little surprised that the Wash was not right there (it was for the other 2). Nope there was a little trail that went uphill - and there were some pretty amazing flowers in bloom!! (I timed this trip for spring flowers because I saw plenty.) Very windy out so it was hard to get photos as they blew in the wind but I tried anyway.

This is either Annual or Silvery Townsendia.

And Pretty Buckwheat (it's endemic to Southern UT)

Also, Yellow Catspaw (lots of it), Greenthread (yellow flower), several types for vetch, Notched leafed Scorpionweed (pretty purple), Mt Pepperplant (white flower), Whitestem Evening Primrose, Great Rushy Milkvetch (white),UT Penstemon (bright red), and many others.

The trail of course led to the wash and I followed along. Its supposed to be about 1.5-2 miles before I actually get to the canyon. I just followed the footprints in the sand, they actually made more sense than the trail instructions. I saw one butterfly - a Lady. And plenty of little lizards.

I got past the twisted Cottonwood trees, past 3 side gulches and finally got to what looked like the start of the canyon -- yea!

I followed along as the walls got narrower and narrower. Down to about an arms length apart.

And not too much further, there was a rock on top of the narrow canyon and my 1st obstacle: 2 rocks on top of each other about 5ft tall.

Now this would've been pretty easy but the upper rock jutted out about 6 in over the lower rock. Now I'm not a Gumbie and my knees don't bent backwards (normally) nor do have any skills as a monkey so this was not easy. Too high to jump up, tried the old one foot on one wall and hands on the other (but I couldn't move :)), tried looking for something on the upper rock to hold on to but foiled again! :(. Oh well, I tried.

So back to the car. On the way back to Capitol Reef on Notom Rd, there are a couple of rock formations that I stopped at because I lived them. Just single towers standing alone.

Back in the park, I decided to do the Grand Wash. There was parking and I've never been there before. Its a 2.5 mile walk up a wash (a grand one). Pretty wide at the start with tall walls. Flowers and bushes blooming really nice. It does get narrower as I go along. Loved the honey cone structures of the rock in some areas and the different "textures"/colors of the rocks.

And the way the water has carved out the caves along the walls.

Walked about an hour, figured I must be close to the end, and since it ends in another parking lot, decided to turn around and head back.

Saw a chipmunk and a bird with A.D.D. It was a gray bird with a black feather around his eyes and a black tail.

And he was just diving into bushes, hovering about, diving again. Then he flew over to the bushes along the rock wall and continued to do so. Not sure what he was hunting; I have to assume insects. Pretty strange (but fun to watch).

Got out of the canyon and crossed the road to have a look at the Fremont River.

Drove down a little further to get a good look at the Navaho Dome. The dome is a remnant of an ancient desert sand dune.

It was after 4 now. Quick stop at the Visitor's Center to check the weather forecast. Well my 39degree Sunday became a Winter Weather Advisory Sat night/all day Sunday with significant snow in the Central/Eastern mountains and strong winds. Yuk!

After supper, took a quick drive back into the park, the colors are quite nice in the evening light. Stopped at various pull-outs

and then at the Goosenecks -- a gorge that runs thru the park. Now that is much more impressive in the evening light.

Time to call it a day.

(Globeflower).

May 4 - Mormon Pioneer Trail

Another day near 80 today -- partly cloudy skies. Spent yesterday afternoon planting 24 plants in my backyard (there was just mulch and no color) so today its time to stretch the legs and check out the changes on the Mormon Trail.

Was here about a month ago and made it about 1.5miles before snow turned me back. Well driving to the parking lot, the snow that was around then is gone and its getting greener.

There were 3 cars in the lot when I arrived. Three guys all going for a bike ride. This is a tough ride of bikers (lots of obstacles) so they must be good.

The creek is definitely lowwe at the bottom -- and now pretty confined within its banks but still moving. Parts of the trail that were a stream a month ago are just muddy. No detour required. I don't think that will be the same for the bigger trail/creek merges.

I can tell I'm at a higher elevation because on the Little Cottonwood trail the other day, the Oregon Grape was in full bloom (and some past bloom); but here the Oregon Grape only has yellow buds. I'm seeing Painted Ladies here too -- they must be having a good year because I don't remember seeing many at all last year -- or perhaps I'm just on the trail early enough to see them. (I end up seeing at least 7 today.)

Sure enough the 2 big trail/creek intersection are still flooded. I have to maneuver my way over rocks, logs, etc to get around.

Many bflys today. There are Anise Swallowtails nectaring, Spring Azures (little flyng spots of bright blue), Mourning Cloaks, a Mylitta Crescent and of course plenty of male Sara Orangetips. I'm not sure if its because of the partly sunny skies but they are all landing/nectaring.

There are some "first of the season" bflys, the Sleepy Duskywing

and Rocky Mountain Duskywing. A few Large Marbles (very aptly named for their marble-like outer wing).

And the Silvery Blues are now flying - and they are silvery blue when they fly -- makes they distinguishable from the Spring Azure.

As far as flowers below there are yellow and purple violets in bloom, mountain bluebells

and lots of yellow flowers.

There's no snow around except high above. The log I had to crawl under into the snow; I just had to crawl under this time. On the other side (where all the snow was less than a month ago), was a early spring wild flower bloom -- Spring Beauties,

Yellow Bells

and Glacier Lilies!!

So pretty.

Nothing much happening at the camp -- no ducks, no bflies zipping around. I go past and am now further than I was in April. The trail is still very mucky in spots. The beaver dam's waterfall is still flowing but is not was wide (and fast as before). But there's still plenty of water behind it.

A more stream/trails crossings now --- kinda excepted that. Some were a little complicated to find a way around and stay dry. But I kept going and I'm passing snow melt pond after pond (they look like those high-end Infinity Pools but in nature)

 I'm figuring that at some point, a pond it what will stop me today.

Seeing lots of moose scat and track in this area -- no moose though. :(

Finally get to a point I'm seeing snow near the trail again. And there a creek/trail flood to get across. Not quite sure how to get around. I try going up there the pines but they are too thick. The other side with all the willows and small trees doesn't look like a choice either. So I cross 2 logs to get me further and one step in the mud to peak around the corner and see there's rocks on the other side to get me across. So I can continue.

But in front of me is a snow melt pond. I can see the other side of the trail about 30-40 ft away but only water in between.

Going thru the pines is not a good option. And its a pond with a creek running out of it, so going around the other side is not an option either. This is definitely the end of the road for me today. (Even if I made it across, I'm seeing a bunch of snow and that would've ended my day.) Made it about 2.5 miles (about a mile further than last time).

As I was working myself out, I stopped to wait for a couple that were coming along the rocks. They were out for a jog. They asked if that's the end of the trail for today, said it was for me and headed off.

I started to feel like a wimp for not continuing when the joggers hadn't come back and passed me, but while I stopped to grab my lunch from my pack a little further down the trail, they finally came jogging by --- I'm not a wimp!!!

There were less bflys on the way back. Did see 2 female Sara Orangetips and got a good look at the outer wings of one of them.

I was about to start my last creek crossing when I saw a beautiful fresh Field Crescent (the 1st of the year)!

The bikers passed me by at the 1/2 mile mark. I'm wondering if they made it thru the pond and to the top. And I had my chance to ask as they were still in the parking lot when I got back. No, they didn't make it to the top -- too much snow. Not sure where they were the whole time --- probably blazing their own trails thru the valley.

Great day!!

May 2 - Little Cottonwood Trail

I know I was just here on Sunday (in the 40 degree temps and snow) but its an easy trail to get to for a "quick" post-work hike (and it beats the gym for exercise - 7mi - 1300ft climb). And the upper elevations still have snow which does not make for a quick hike. (Alta Ski Resort is open this week-end and closes for the season; and they are advertising 108in base ... still!!)

But today is sunny and 76degrees -- beautiful day to lead off a beautiful week-end in the 80s.

Not too many folks in the parking lot --- but its about 2:30 so its still early. I can hear water now at the parking lot which means the snow melt is picking up.

There are white butterflies flying. One kindly lands on a flower and its a Spring White! (And yes, it only flies during the Spring.) 

There is also a little orange flyer --- probably a Crescent but he won't stop; he's just patrolling his territory up and down the trail waiting for a female. Also see some Sara Orangetips - males (they have a dark orange spot on their wing) and they too are patrolling for females.

There is also another white butterfly out -- he's all white (no black markings). I don't have my book so I don't remember what species he is -- but after a while one does spot so I can get a good look. (He's a Margined or Mustard White.)

Off course the Hoary and Satyr Commas are about and the Mourning Cloaks - well I stopped counting at 20. Even got to hear their wings flap as two got in a fight right near my head before circling higher and higher into to air.

This was an exercise hike (especially since I was here only a few days ago), so real no stops on the way -- ok there were a couple of bflies..... Figured I'll do all the stopping on the way down.

Got to end very uneventfully. The stream flowing down the trail on the last stretch was higher (its 30degrees warmer than Sunday so not surprising). I had to go thru the woods for a bit to get around it. Took a quick stop at the end; the only snow left it at the old building was in some shady spots. The water is definitely higher today.

Time to head on down (and make some stops this time).

Headed down to the creek about where the other parking lot's trail merges in --- saw a very fresh Painted Lady butterfly -- she wasn't flying much so I think that she emerged not too long ago and was drying out.

Headed back down the trail and saw something cross the trail -- it was very small -- I thought it was a mouse but it was a lizard --- they're back! 

I saw at least 6 the rest of the way down.

At another stop near the creek, something yellow and flying (bfly) caught my eye. My heart was pounding because I had no clue what it was. I carefully made my way down to the creek where I saw it last and sure enough on some small purple flowers was a female Sara Orangetip (yellow form) nectaring - yea!!! She's a beauty!

She'd fly away and circle round and come back for some more nectar. Very exciting -- I've seen a female before but never the yellow form. (The males are all at the bottom of the trail and she's near the top, they need to start going uphill.)

Making my way back to the trail, I spotted a little cluster of small yellow flowers -- they were 2-3inches tall and the flower was about the size of a thumb nail. Looks like a little buttercup.

There's a patch of Dame's Rocket (mustard family) blooming not to far from the beginning of the trail, on the way back saw something very strange - there was a Comma nectaring on the flower. 

Commas typically feed on sap, scat, etc so seeing one actually nectaring on a flower is a first for me. 

Fun hike today!