July 28 - Lofty Lakes (Uintahs)

 Sunny, hot (near 100 degrees) today. And for the 3rd off-Friday in a row I'm heading back to Mirror Lake Hwy because I'm hoping the butterflies will be out and the flowers in full bloom AND I can do this because after 12 weeks, I'm finally released from the ortho doc w/ no restrictions - YEA!!!!

My plan is to try something new and hike from Ruth Lake. I've seen the signs on the Lofty Lake trail for 2 years, so it's time to give it a try. And I'll lose a tons of the rocks I'll need to step on/over on the other trail. I think that's a good idea for someone whose just released from a broken foot.

However, when I get to the Ruth Lake parking, it's full. I guess there's a lot of backcountry campers last night. So back to the Pass Lake Trailhead I go.

When I get there, it's much fuller than 2 weeks ago but still plenty of spots.

I gear up and head up the trail.

It's a mix of Spring and Summer flowers along the way. Lots of Spring Heartleafed Arnica and Geraniums are in bloom.

But lots of Purple Asters, Queen Anne's Lace, Paintbrush, Sickletop Lousewort, Biswort, Whipple's Beardtongue

And there are lots of Lily green seed pods.

On the way to Scout Lake, I see Anise Swallowtails, Scudder's Sulphur 

and Painted Lady. Oh, there a White flyer as well which I'm assuming is a Checkered White.

Dragonflies

and Damselflies are out

as well as tons of moths.

I pass the Ruth Lake trail and start the steepest part of my climb.

I see my Scudder's Sulphur as well as a species I was hoping to see - Rockslide Checkerspot!!! (I see 5 - 6 today)

There's a good mix of flowers but one bright pink one stands out: Parry's Primrose.

I'm surprised to see a patch of snow not far from the peak of the hike.

I reach the apex

and start my way down to Lofty Lake.

There's pink snowfield on the slopes of the peak on the left.

Almost to the lake, I find a lone White Columbine.

Lots of Bluebells around the lake as well as Shooting Stars, Elephantheads, White Bog Lilies, and others.

I make my way to the other side of the lake but I'm not seeing any flyers.

I do several chipmunks.

The little lake on the other side is a mud pit now. I head over hoping to look from Magdelina Alpines but I decide not too. Don't want to push my foot. So I work my way back to Lofty Lake, find a rock and take a break.

As I make my way back to the main trail, I find a 2-banded Skipper (that's a start)! And then head left to check out the other meadow. Lots of flowers here but only find one Relict Frit!

On my way back to Lofty Lake, I find a Blue but he didn't stay long. I think it might be an Arctic Blue.

I make my way out of the bowl and start my way down.

Lots of people heading up now.

I make a stop at Scout Lake to look at the flowers by the lake - I see an Anise Swallowtail.

And a Milbert's not far from the parking lot.

So happy to see my car -- I did awesome on the way up but the downhill was slow and tiring. Oh well, not bad for my 1st real hike in 3 months.

I head over to the Highline Trail to search the flowers. 

More than a bit disappointing because I only found a couple of Relict Frits. I saw a few blues and a bright orange and dull orange flyer. But pretty bleak. 

Not sure where the butterflies are but then again, I've been here in July and saw not much of anything before.

But awesome day!