June 21 - Cascade Springs

 Happy 1st day of Summer!!

Heading to the Wasatch Back this morning to walk at Cascade Springs. This is a new one for me (and frankly, the only reasons I'm going today is because I can't hike and it's supposed to beautiful.)

Cascade Springs is a large artesian spring where 7million gallons of water flow over limestone terraces and pools. The trail (2 loops with connectors) is around 0.8 miles.

I leave just after 7am and east past Park City. The large balloons are going up on this cool mid-40 degree temperature (at my house) morning.

Then it's south towards Heber City. At some point before reaching the city, I directed to head west and wind my way the up mountainside. Great view of a reservoir below. Slam on my brakes for a deer crosses the road. Then past the Wasatch Mt State Park and arriving at the upper Cascade Springs Trailhead (actually this might be lower Cascade Springs because I had to climb in elevation to get to the second loop - hmmm). Happily, I'm the only one here!!

The trail heads down (probably not the best things for my foot but it's not hurting) before finally leveling off. (I think the stats say there's 100feet of elevation on this trail.)

I cross a rounded footbridge before reaching the boardwalk; the trail is boardwalks, paved trail and some steps.

I'm greeted by crystal clear water and a series of some waterfalls with tons of Yellow Monkeyflower

 (and some Red Columbine). 

It's beautiful!

I work my way around the upper right boardwalk, ultimately crossing another rounded footbridge where the largest of the waterfalls is. 

I have the option of heading to the next loop or completing the one I'm on; I complete the one I'm on. The left side of the loop is stunning with a series of little waterfalls with more on the terrace above. This is the best view of the whole hike!

I find a nice spider's web along the way.

But no fish.

I arrive at the footbridge/waterfall again, cross over finding some Wild Onion here.

And then head up a series of steps to the next loop. I'm finding lots of moose/elk pellets along the way. None of it is fresh but I keep my eyes and ears open.

I reach the second loop. No waterfalls here just a large Spring. The boardwalk loops around it. On the opposite side, I see a couple of Field Crescents and what appears to be a moose bed.

Oh, and a wonderful view of Mt Timp (where I'm heading next).

I also find Gentian

 Flax 

and Hollyhock.

Soon I'm back at that rounded bridge/waterfall again. I decide to head past the "best view of the trail" again before heading out.

I also find a Red Admiral on my exit.

BTW: I'm still the only one here at 9am.

Fantastic stop!

Onwards to Aspen Grove. I saw a sign on my drive in that said Aspen Grove is 5 miles farther than Cascade Springs. I also know the Alpine Loop (Aspen Grove is on the south part of the Alpine Loop) is still closed. So I head back the way I came hoping if I get reception again will take me to Hwy 89 and the southern entrance to the Alpine Loop.