Heading to Corner Canyon today to hike the loop to Ghost Falls and then back via the Clark Trail. In total, the hike is around 3.8 miles and about 836 feet in elevation. I have been on this hike twice before (probably every 2 years) but usually in April when it's still muddy in spots. But today, I'm sure that it'll be much drier. But it's time to go look.
The trail starts in the valley in the town of Draper (south end of the valley). It starts in a neighborhood near a Mormon temple with some of the biggest houses that I've ever seen.
When I arrive, it's in the 60s and very windy (20mph). I'm in the sun but there are many clouds around (and back where I live to the north, dark clouds).
Most of the trail will be through a oak/maple forest winding it's way uphill to Ghost Falls and for me, even higher. Parts of the trail are in the open - dry/sagebrush/etc. There are many trails to available. Most trails are multi-use hiker/biker trails but there are a few for bikers only and one (the one I'll return one) in which bikers can go only uphill - so much nicer to see them slowly coming.
I start on the Canyon Hollow Trail past the Silica Pit. When I reach the Ghost Falls Trail, I veer off (the Canyon Hollow Trail continues up). I immediate cross a bridge with a small creek barely flowing. Seeing lots of Wild Onion with tiny pink flowers through the woods. Definitely the dominant flowering plant at this points.
I'm also seeing Salisfy, Woodland Star, a few Flax and Forget-me-knots. I also find on pretty orange flowering plant - Collomia.
And one of my favorites Bordiaea douglasii (or Wild Hyacinth - a sagebrush lily)
I also find the fuzzy seed puffs of a vetch which I find surprising as I was expecting pods.
I only see a couple butterflies at the edges of the woods and open area. They are pretty worn and they look like Sleepy Duskywing.
There one final open stretch before entering the woods and reaching Ghost Falls. Well, it's not too impressive. As the water is low and the falls is covered in green leaves. I go up a short trail where I can actually see the water running over the rocks (i.e., the falls).
Time to continue up to the top (which is a picnic area). Again, woods and open spaces. I finally reach the destination (a picnic area near the "top")
Here there are Lupine, Phlox and some Vetch in bloom.
I also find some butterflies namely several Field Crescents
and a Silvery Blue.
I still have some additional uphill but its all on an access road now. Along the way I see a couple of Juba Skippers and a mix of Western Tiger Swallowtails and Two Tailed Swallowtails.
I reach the high point of the trip with a great spanning view of the valley from a Draper perspective and it's so clear I can see Frary Peak on Antelope Island.
Time to head down on the Clark's Trail and back into mostly trees. But before I enter the trees, I see many Death Camas (I think) scattered among the sagebrush.
And one last view of Lone Peak.
On the way down, still seeing an occasional Field Crescent along the way. But also seeing several "fresher" Rocky Mt Duskywing.
I'm also see a few cicadas - first ones for me in Utah!!
Not a bad view back up the canyon.
Nice day!
