July 8 - Snake Creek Pass (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

 Sunny day with temps near 100 degrees!

Headed up Big Cottonwood Canyon a little after 7am this morning to beat the crowds and the heat (really nothing new there).

Hiking up and above Snake Creek Pass (10,200 ft) for the 1st time this year.

I arrive at Brighton a little after 7:30am. There a Bull Moose in a small Spring pond across from the Resort. I stop briefly before heading to the parking. 

Not many people here ...yet.

I gear up and start up the trail.

The hill is still in the shade. Lots of green but there are some flowers in bloom: Bluebells, Geraniums, Cinquefoil, Brown Headed Coneflower, Paintbrush and White Columbine. Still a few weeks away from the big bloom time.

Before long I reach the turn off to Dog Lake. (yea!) I think about continuing to Lake Mary and returning but I plan on being back later next week to hike the Brighton Lakes trail to Catherine's Pass.

So I continue on to Dog Lake. I take the trail towards Clayton Peak and then head down to the lake. (No moose this morning.)

On the way back, I see a Silvery Blue!

Onward to the Pass. (But 1st a stop for a Hoary Comma!)

Still early season along the trail as I'm seeing Heartleaf Arnica, Buttercups (small and large), and Spring Beauty.

There's still snow along the trail in a few spots and some spots that are muddy due to recent snow melt. The trail openings are filled with Dandelions.

Finally, I reach the dirt road to the Pass. As I start up, I see Checkered Whites flying.

At the Pass (10,200 ft), the flowers are really pretty

and Mt Timp is in it's full glory.

And there's a Western Swallowtail flying!!

The sides of the trail have been reworked (ie., no grass/flowers) and are covered in straw.

Soon I'm at the view of Lake Mary with Twin Lakes in the background besides the ski lift.

I continue up to my favorite spot for a brief rest. So beautiful!

Time to head down.

At the lift, I find a CA Tortoiseshell (very fresh).

I then chase down a Callipe Frit

followed by a Mormon Frit.

Quite the mix of early flyers and mid-season flyers.

Time to head down the trail where I see more Checkered Whites, 

a Sara Orangetip, 

another Mormon Frit and a Rocky Mt Duskywing (I think)!

Surprised as I head down the main trail by the lack of people. I'm pretty sure we're not getting the out-of-state visitors this summers. Yes!

Good day!

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