July 2 - Silver Lake and the Switchback (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

 Sunny with highs in the mid-90s.

Heading back to Silver Lake this morning with the goal of hiking to Lake Solitude.

I arrive just after 7am. Sunny and 49 degrees this morning. There are more cars in the lot this morning - perhaps because of the holiday week-end.

The water levels have dropped some: less standing water, no water on the boards, etc.

As I'm passing the boardwalk, I see a couple of beavers in the lake. Oh and there's another one heading their way. 


I watch for a bit and continue into the woods. The snow has melted except in one little spot and there's no water running down the slopes anymore.

As I move another one of the beavers is swimming towards me (and the edge of the forest). He dips under a stick and disappears.

The two start heading in my direction. One turns back and the other swims to the same location as the other, dives and disappears.

Very cool!

I reach the other side and see a guy taking a photo uphill. Hey, there's a lone deer up there!

Also many bluebells.

I continue around stopping to look at the Shooting Star

and Horsetails and at the pier.

I reach the trailhead and start up towards Lake Solitude. The Avalanche Lilies are all gone (in just one week). Lots of mud on the trail especially at the trail intersection. I can start my way to Lake Solitude.

No flowers in bloom yet except the yellow Violets, Waterleaf, and Forget-me-knots and Bluebells.

I have to climb around a fallen tree at one but soon reach the steps. I go across and continue for just a bit. Hmmm, perhaps I should scale my hiking and go up to the switchback today instead of to the Lake. I like that so I backtrack to the steps and start up to the switchback. 

Much easier this way as there are less rocks and less steep. I see a Ground Squirrel along the way.

I reach the switchback. There are two guys taking photos uphill of Pika and Marmot.

I see the Mom Marmot and 2 babies. The Mom climbs up to the top and disappears. I can get glimpses of the young.

I move along the switchback for just a bit and stop a Pika uphill.

I stop for a break in front of another Pika sprawled out and enjoying the view down on Silver Lake.


Well, it's time to head down the same way I came.

Awesome day!

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