I've been to Ruth Lake before always just before winter hits so this will be kinda new for me. It's just under 1 mile to the lake and basically flat (200 ft elevation change). It'll be a good test as although there's not much elevation change it's a typical Uintah Mt trail - rocky. Rocks to step on, over, in-between - basically not-level - for many parts of the trail. But it's beautiful as the trail weaves thru the forest and rocky landscape.
About 60 degrees in the valley when I leave my house just after 7am. The day starts off on the right path as I'm greeted by my resident Pray Mantis as I walk out the door.
As I drive, the trees are definitely changing as I drive up Parleys' Canyon towards Park City but they are hard to see because of the shade or the bright sun shining in my eyes.
Entering the Mirror Lake Hwy fee area east of Kamas, there's a sign indicating "Open Grazing Area" - oh great, I need to watch for deer AND cattle this morning!
And there are plenty of cattle some away from the road and some along side. Oh, and I can't forget the small herd standing in the middle of the road. It takes a while for them all to move off.
Soon after passing them, I see 3 deer (doe) feeding on the side of the road. I don't trust the direction they may bolt, so I slow to a crawl to get pass.
Oh, and the trees are changing here too - some aspen are already yellow. Again, hard to get the full effect because of both the shade and bright sun light. Will be better when I return.
Some of the alpine lakes (like Lily Lake) that I pass certainly show the extent of the lack of snowfall last winter. The water is way out and far from the road -- lots of dry lake bed. Sure do need another 2016 winter this year. (Back to back ones would be awesome!)
I see another lone doe off the road as I near Bald Mt Pass (10,700+).
I cross Pass and start heading back downhill. I didn't plan on stopping at Mirror Lake but hey, why not - I'm here!
Beautiful morning at 10,000+ ft. Sunny but barely 50 degrees. I head down to the lake -- it's definitely a "mirror" this morning.
Lots of little birds flitting around. And a woodpecker busy looking for breakfast that I pass below.
I wasn't planning on walking around the mile loop but I find myself starting to walk clockwise along the boardwalk. The mountain reflections are awesome!
There are a few folks already fishing. And there are trout jumping in the water.
There's also a single duck out on the water.
After walking about 100 yards I convince myself that I'm here to hike to Ruth Lake so I turn around. Once back, I walk about 100 yards in the counterclockwise direction -- need a good lake view of Bald Mt and Reid's Peak! :)
Short walk - but awesome!
Okay, now it's time to head down to the Ruth Lake trail head a few miles farther down the road.
I arrive and start up thru the woods towards Ruth Lake.
Lots of birds flitting around here enjoying the morning sun light.
Loving the trees and the rock landscapes.
The flowers around here are now just dry open seed pods. (Except there are still a few Geraniums blooming near the parking lot.)
Although Hayden Peak is behind me, I can't resist going a bit off trail up the rocks to get a good view of Hayden Peak
and the landscape I'm moving through.
I arrive at the edge of a big wet meadow
and see something tan move fast thru the trees. Oh, there he is again -- a big buck!! That's cool!
Soon I arrive at the first lake. Fantastic views as I move along it's shore.
It's not much further before I get my first view of Ruth Lake.
I move along the shore -- I don't see any fish but I do find a few blue dragonflies zipping around.
I make it about 1/4 way around the lake before stopping on a rock to simply enjoy the morning and the quiet.
But it is a busy trail and several people (with kids -- I thought they were back in school) stroll by stopping a bit further down the lake. So much for the peace and quiet.
I stay for a bit longer as the sun disappears behind the clouds. (The clouds are building for afternoon showers.)
Well, it's time to start heading back stopping at the edge of lake #1 for great views of Hayden Peak.
The hike was perfect for me today. Time to head home.
I wasn't planning on stopping at the Provo River Falls but I'm behind a truck (slow moving) so it's a good place to kill a few minutes. I wonder how low the water is these days.
Pretty low!
Continuing on the way home, I can see the tree colors much better now. Patches of yellow aspens, splotches of orange and red. Should be incredible in a week or so!
Great day!
