Sept 19 - Lofty Lake (Uintas) - Part 1

 Sunny day with highs near 90 degrees in the  valley.

I'm heading to the Uintas to hike up to Lofty Lake where it'll be sunny with a high of 60. And it'll be my first hike up there this year. Yes, I'm behind; missed the whole butterfly/wild flower season. But, I'm making it now; so that's good.

Along the drive, I spot 3 deer running across a meadow just after passing thru Kamas.

Then there's driving thru a scattered herd of cattle; no quick stops required.

And I see a lone deer along the way as well.

I arrive around 8:30. There are a couple of cars in the lot. It's upper 40s with a strong wind. Perfect other than the wind. :)

Three ladies and their dog start up the trail before me. I give them 5-10 minutes so I don't have to hear them talk. I do hear them for a little while but their voice soon vanish. Yea!

Flowers are gone here except the Yarrows seem to be hanging though a lot of them are dead. I do find a couple of Asters and a Heartleafed Arnica but basically dry seed heads.

I pass the first lake (Picturesque Lake) and arrive at Scout Lake where I go down for a quick view.

Then it's the gradual wind slightly uphill until crossing a foot bridge. After the bridge, the final climb thru the rocks starts. Taking my time enjoying the views around me.

And hey, it's uber windy up here!

I finally crest out and start my way down. 



Looking for Mt Goat, nothing. Looking for Pika, nothing; but I do hear a couple.

I reach the lake and start around to the other side. Pretty chilly with that wind.

I don't stay long; it sit for just a couple of minutes. It's too chilly.

I think about doing the loop. I saw on Alltrails that they re-routed part of the downhill after Kamas Lake. That's where I tweaked my ankle twice and then 4 years ago broke my foot and suffered 3 sprains. That part of the trail does not like me even with me taking care. But even with the re-route, it's not worth it. That trail is my nemesis and I'm not looking for a broken leg or worse. Heading back the way I came.

On the way down the rocks, I meet the 3 women again; they took a detour to Ruth Lake. I want to head there today.

Lots more people heading up as I head down. (And sadly, several doggy bags along the trail that will probably not get picked up because the people are probably doing a loop.  Ugh!)

Soon I back at my car. Yea! I got to Lofty Lake this year....finally.

It's only 11am and I'm thinking about doing Ruth Lake.

Great day so far...to be continued.

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