Sept 12 - Cecret Lake & Germania Pass (Little Cottonwood Canyon)

 Sunny day with temps near 90 degrees (before the rain comes Tues-Thurs - hopefully)

Heading to hike Cecret Lake then up to Germania & Sugarloaf Passes. I haven't done this hike in 3-4 years now so I'm pretty excited.

I arrive around 8am. The sun is still coming up over the mountains and it's 49 degrees.

There's no one around as I start up the trail towards Cecret Lake. Majority of the flowers are gone. Lots of Yarrow though and pockets of Purple Aster.

After a bit I get my first views of Devil's Castle -- always nice to see close-up.

The full moon is barely above the peaks.

And soon, Sugarloaf Peak is in view shining in the morning sun.

On the switchbacks, there are barely any flowers left in bloom.

I'm hoping for a moose at the lake but no luck. :(

Cecret Lake is very low - I wasn't expecting that but I should have because it's a dammed lake and they've open the dam on Twins Lake so not surprisingly they did the same here.

It's still beautiful to see as I walk to the other side.

I enjoy the morning's silence before heading up the rocks to shorten my hike to the Pass(es).

Always fun to get higher but I have to remember to watch the footings.

I do see a Field Crescent on the uphill.

Whew! I completed the uphill and start across to the Ski-cat road for the final climb.

As I reach the road, I quickly see 2 Frit (Mormon I think).

Lots of green vegetation; it's just not the flowers. Again, majority of the flowers in bloom are Yarrow.

I make my way to Germania Pass spotting for a Clark's Jay who is making a bunch of noise.

When there, I check out the ski lift spotting another Frit on my way.

Boy! Can you see the smoky valley in the distance.

I start heading up to Sugarloaf Pass keeping an eye out for butterflies. Yes, they are still out, for some reason, up here above 10,200 feet. I've seen them in past years at this time.

There's pocket of Asters and there are butterflies nectaring!!!

I see lots of Ruddy Coppers (males)

and females

including a female that is either albino or quite faded (fascinating)

Blue Coppers

a Melissa Blue (annetta)

and a Rocky Mt Parnassian.

I'm sure the numbers will be better on my way down.

I continue on. Lots of birds flying including Mt Bluebirds!

I'm not hearing or seeing any Pika or Marmots so far but can't beat the view downhill!

Not far from the Pass, I see a Marmot climb on and across the road. Yea! They're still here!

I reach the Pass and start across to the lift. Mt Timp and Hidden Peak are looking awesome!

Just past the life, I find a rock for a break (and glorious view).

After a bit, it's time to head back down.

I see another Marmot on the downhill side on my down.

And yes, the butterfly numbers have increased.

I add a Checkered Whites

and another little Blue - I'm assuming these are just very worn Melissa Blues.

I also see a very large hawk fly overhead.

On the way down, I make a detour stop to one of my favorite spots on this hike for the Simba view of the Basin.

Then it's down the road back to Cecret Lake - still no one here - Hmmmm!

I see a Sulphur

Then back down the trail.

I see a Juba Skipper as I start my downhill.



People are coming up now which is good to see that people enjoy this hike even though the flowers are gone.

Awesome day!

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