My plan is to hike up to the saddle of Grandeur Peak -- that's about a 2 mile and 1700 ft hike. (The peak is a little over 1/2 mile farther and another 600 ft higher.)
Hoping to see some butterflies as they are being reported in other canyons around here but every canyon is a bit different with respect to sunlight etc.
I start around 3:40 pm; it's sunny, 64 and windy. But at least for the beginning part of this hike is sheltered from the wind. It is also through the woods.
But first I have to walk up to the trail head from the road as the gate is still closed. It's uphill and follows a creek. Looking for butterflies but only finding moths. I see this one a lot on this hike especially through the woods.
Just a few purple violets in bloom
but lots of Solomon's Seal poking up through the ground.
I pass by one waterfall
and then another and another
before arriving at the actual trail head.
Then it's across the creek and uphill through the woods.
Through the woods I see a Mourning Cloak and than a bit further along, two Mourning Cloaks swirling around each other into the canopy.
And finally a Satyr Comma.
After around a mile, I reach the switchbacks which are more open and of course, sunny. I'm surprised to see how early it is for flowers - I'm pretty sure I've been up on this trail earlier in the season and I've see more flowers. But it's been an odd Spring weather-wise.
There's Spring Parsley (some of which isn't even blooming yet), Oregon-Grape, Waterleaf (in bloom)
another yellow flower,
Yellow Violets
and one of my favorites, Yellow Bells.
I also find a single small lizard.
The views are wonderful regardless of the direction I look.
I'm nearing the rocky section so the "end" is near for me today.
As I get closer to the saddle, I'm finding a few Spring Beauties
and many, many Yellow Bells.
I reach the saddle and climb a little outcropping. There's a few Glacier Lilies blooming
lots of Spring Beauties, and this little beauty.
Time to enjoy the views to the southeast
to the south and Grandeur Peak
and to the east.
Great views but it's time to head down. Wonderful hike!
