June 12 - Twin Lakes (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

Sunny morning with temps heading back into the mid-90s. I'm heading up BCC to hike up to Twins Lakes for the 1st time this year. From the AllTrails reports I've read, the trail is pretty much melted out with just a few spots of snow.

I also check on Lake Solitude (perhaps I can do the loop) but people are saying the trail is "closed" about 1.5 miles in. Well, does "closed" mean snow OR actually signage saying "Closed". Doesn't matter because there will be no loop done today.

I leave around 7am. Wow, the Lake Blanche and Mill B trail heads are already packed!

Mill D - Dog Lake has a bunch of cars but Mill D roadside parking has only a few cars - I wonder what the actual trail head looks like.

I arrive at Silver Lake and there's probably 6 cars in the lot. It's 46 degrees as I start off.

Snow is all melted with some exceptions in more shadier spots.

The meadow is soggy 

and the lake levels are touching the bottom of the footbridge!

Still a lovely lake as always.

I work my way over to the trail start. Lots of Avalanche Lilies at the start but most are past bloom.

See Oregon Grape and a few Wallflowers on the way up to the switchback.

At the switchback, I'm surprised that there are no Pikas (or Pika chirps). I do catch sight of a Marmot working his way down thru the rocks.

Onward and upward. There are some snowy spots.

It's slow going. I've been at 9000 ft last week why is this so tough today. :(

The ground squirrels provide some distraction.

But the end is in sight with one last little trek over some snow. (Note: the Glacier Lilies and Buttercups are just starting to bloom.)

When I crest the hill, I see a Marmot sun bathing on a large boulder. My presence sends him scurrying away.

Up the last few feet to the dam.

I head around the dam and surprised that the lake is still 80% ice (only some edges are melted out).

There's a guy who hauled his pack raft up - he's going to have a tough time today. But, he's blowing it up. Guess if I hauled one up, I'd tried to use it too.

I take a brief rest along the shore. 

I get to watch a chipmunk on the beach.

And then check for Pika on under the cliff - nothing.

Part of me wants to go farther but this is good enough for the 1st trip. I'm happy.

Time to head down.

When I reach Silver Lake, I decide to complete it's loop.

Find some Shooting Stars in the wet spot.

And watch 3 male Mallards chase a female around the lake.

Good day!

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