Sept 29 - Cecret Lake and Sugarloaf Pass (Little Cottonwood Canyon)

 Sunny day with temps around 80s.

Heading up Little Cottonwood Canyon to hike up to Cecret Lake and Sugarloaf Pass this morning. I was supposed to do this hike when I camped here but I forgot my breakfast. Not is the time to complete the hike.

Got my 40 hours done, geared up and headed up to the Albion Basin.

The colors are fantastic. There's room for improvement but with rain/snow coming in Sunday/Monday/Tuesday, I think the best is pretty much over. :(

I arrive around 8am; temps are in the mid-40s but it is very windy and cold.

I start up the trail which is still in the shade. The flowers are all but gone except Yarrows and patches of Purple Aster.

Devil's Castle is in the shade but there's still some of last week's snow on its slopes.

Soon Sugarloaf Peak is in sight and I start up the switchbacks to the lake. 

There's nobody here yet - it's perfect (except for the wind).

I arrive at the lake. Wow! I'm surprised it still so full! Awesome as always!

I head to the opposite side for a quick break. It's so windy and cold, I'm not sure if I want to go any higher.

I decide to just loop around the lake but I can't find the way around.

Then I decide to take the road just a bit higher to get a good view of the basin but I find myself keep climbing higher. The wind is cold but the day is getting warmer. My decision is good.

I get to the spur trail that leads to an overlook of Cecret Lake.

Now it's time to climb to the Pass.

Beautiful hike, so many colors on the ground vegetation and the views of this valley are great!

I keep my eyes open for moose or deer. I've never seen one up here but then I don't get here but once or twice a year.

Suddenly I spot 2 sets of Mickey Mouse years in a small group of pine to my left. 

Its a Mom and calf moose!!Yea!

They are 50-75 feet off the trail so I pass with care.

I continue up to the first ski lift and spot there for a look-see.

Then it's up to the Pass. Again, it's mostly Yarrow and a few Asters. But I do see 2 Ruddy Coppers - one male, one female!!

Near the rockslide on the downhill side, I see a Checkered White! 

I also hear and see one Pika scamper by.

Views are incredible!

I reach the Pass and head over to Snowbird. Wonderful view of Mt Timp!

There's no where to sit and it's too windy so I just start heading back down.

The moose are still there as I pass with their ears up.

Then it's downhill - it see a Pika

on the way down

Also see a Marmot just before reaching Cecret Lake.

I reach Cecret Lake; lots of folks here now so I make a quick exit.

I see another butterfly on the way down but didn't get a good look.

Absolutely wonderful day! 

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