I want to take a walk to see if there are any flowers popping up yet -- never know with this consistent 20 degree above normal temp the last month plus. And with the warm weather, I want to see if I can spot any of the overwintering butterflies that might be out flying (Mourning Cloaks, Commas, ...)
Thought about heading over to the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon to hike the Little Cottonwood Creek Trail -- but time is limited so I'm heading into Millcreek Canyon to hike the Pipeline Trail.
Never hiked this trail but it is what I'm looking for today -- flat. The trail is 7.4 miles (one way) with a gain of 1300ft. But I'm only planning on walking around 4 miles (round trip)
It's just after 3pm when I enter the canyon. Clear and brown on the north side, snowy on the south side. The Pipeline starts near the start of the canyon. There's plenty of parking when I arrive. I look around for the start of the trail but only see a sign for Rattlesnake Gulch. I guess at some point the Pipeline must branch off so I start up the trail - which is uphill.
After about 200 yards and no side trail, I decide to head back down to my car -- I wasn't looking for an uphill trail today and I have no idea how long Rattlesnake Gulch is (and I have no cell reception in the canyon to find out).
Back at my car, I know I can get to the Pipeline trail again about 3 miles up the canyon so I continue along. There's definitely more snow on the ground as I gain around 1000 ft to the next trail head. And there I dfind the trail!
Its snow packed as I head by west towards Grandeur Peak (and the start of the canyon). It's 1.6 miles to the intersection with the Grandeur Peak trail so off I go.
The trail follows the curves of the canyon thru the trees and open areas. It's snow packed, muddy and dry depending on the location on the trail. And there are many good views of the canyon itself and down the canyon/across the valley
and of course, Grandeur Peak.
Seeing no butterflies and no birds. But I do see some plant life including either Biscuitroot or Parsley peaking up from the ground
out very pretty but horribly invasive Spurge (yet another wonderful landscape plant turned unstoppable).
and surprise, surprise Phlox!!!
There's about 6 plants in small 10 foot rocky area. Fun!
I also see the remnants of the trail's namesake (pipeline).
Soon I hear the creek that should mean the Grandeur Peak trail is very close
and then I'm there!
Time to head back.
