Sep 16 - Twin Lakes Loop (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

 Had on and off rain the last few days. Thankfully, the rain has cleared out this morning (at least in the valley). Deciding between Dog Lake and Twin Lakes Loop this morning. The chance of seeing critters win so I'm off to Silver Lake.

On the way up at the Mill D South parking area, I drive past a cow moose in the meadow - love it!

I arrive at Silver Lake expecting a full parking. It's 47 degrees and about 8:15 and the parking lot is pretty empty. Either the photographers have left because there are no moose or they just never came this morning. I know last year, the moose were around for several weeks and then disappeared. I  presume this is because the rut had started and they all scattered. But I like the emptiness!

I start around the lake to the trail head. Lots of big puddles on the trail this morning.

I reach the trail head and start up toward Lake Solitude. 


Very few Asters in bloom. Quiet walk.

Really wasn't expecting to see anything because I past 2 women coming from Lake Solitude. So I was happy to see a single doe crossing the trail.

As I near, she spooked along with another doe. Cool!

Just a few steps ahead, there was another doe and 2 fawns in the trees with another doe. That's 5!.

I also pass some fresh-sh moose scat on the trail. 

I walk past and continue my way to Lake Solitude.

Quiet. No ducks, no deer that I can see.

As I come around to the other side, I see a doe high on the slopes on the far side of the lake.

Time for the uphill.

Rounding the 3rd switchback, I hear some thrashing in the woods. I look very carefully and spot a doe with 2 fawns. Awesome! That's 9 deer this morning (and a moose)!!

I finish the uphill climb.

I think about heading to the Pass but decide just to go down to Twin Lakes.

Water levels are still dropping even though I no longer hear water running from the dam. The beach is getting bigger!

Time to head down.

Back at the switchback, I see a Marmot.

But still no Pika. There are no vegetation piles either this year - very strange!

I make my way down the hill to Silver Lake. 

There's a couple of Flicker making some noise.

I notice 2 people looking at something in the woods. I look to my left and I'm passing a bedded down cow moose! Nice!


I continue down to the lake and head over to the dock. There are 2 people there and one is fishing. When I arrive, he catches a Rainbow Trout. He says I'm a good luck charm.

Awesome day!

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