June 25 - Alta (Little Cottonwood Canyon)

 Still sunny but warmer as I arrive in Alta.

I take a quick "look-see" at the summer road which is gated and clear. Stop for a photo of Devil's Castle.

Then head back to the Wildcat Parking.

Still plenty of snow everywhere except the south facing slopes. 

The Wildcat trail (nature trail) is flat so I start up. I can hear the water running down the slopes and then into Little Cottonwood creek.

Lots of mud on the trail and water. 

I get about 1/2 way and run into snow - time to turn around.

I do see a ground squirrel.

Then I head back up to the summer road and park. The road is not a steep hill but it is still uphill (I read mostly 5% grade but up to 10%.) Time to test the foot!

I pass a waterfall at the gate but then the road is clear and quiet and surrounded with trees and snow. Higher up (and out of the trees) are clear patches of ground.

My goal is to reach the end of this 1st stretch and check out the trail that leads to an actual trail up into the meadows. I'm sure it's snow covered but still worth a check.

I reach the end of the road and see that there's lots of snow but there are so openings. The snow is hard packed and I really shouldn't but I start up the snow trying to stay in the open patches. Once off the snow, it's a mix of mud, water and wet trail. 

There's another waterfall as I pop out and a nice view of a couple of peaks.

I keep going to try and get a better view. Well I lose Sugarloaf Peak but it's still a better view.

The rest of the way (as far as I can see) is snow covered and not in my realm today.

I take a quick break and enjoy the scenery.

Time to find my way back out to the road and then back to my car.

Awesome day!