I leave my house after 8:30. It's sunny and the temperatures are heading up near 70s in the valley.
The low part of Big Cottonwood is colorful - lots of yellow leaves and some orange. As I progress up the canyon, the color stops as the leaves have already fallen - just a lot of naked aspen trees!!
I'm expecting a full/near full parking lot when I arrive but am surprised when there are only a handful of cars - good for me! (Only the hearty folks are left out there!) It's 34 degree when I head off.
I start out around the boardwalk in a counter-clockwise direction towards the trail head. The boardwalk is just frost covered and there's very little snow on the ground but on the taller mountain peaks, there's snow!
I reach the bridge and the water is open with no ducks or fish sightings but some nice reflections.
I walk along the far side of the Silver Lake enjoying the water/mountain views.
When I reach the corner, I start along the trail thru those naked aspens.
I reach the split - to the left is the quick trail to Twins Lakes/Pass (2.2 mile - 1233 ft). I take the right trail which goes to Lake Solitude first (1.5 miles - 300ft (ele: 9040 ft)) and then up above Twin Lakes and then to the Pass. The distance to Twins Lakes will be just a bit longer.
The first part of the trail is free of snow but as I progress, there are patches of hard-packed/icy snow and dirt.
I scare a couple of squirrels along the way but otherwise a pretty quiet trip to Lake Solitude.
(She's not a pretty as after a snowfall.)
Time to head up hill now all the way up to a ridge above Twin Lakes. I see a couple chipmunks along the way. They are just not sitting still today!
The trail is just dirt until I reach the upper stretches. There I just follow vehicle tracks to the ridge. For the first time ever, I see coyote tracks in the snow!
After a brief stop looking at Twin Lakes, I continue up towards the Pass (and continue following vehicle tracks through the snow).
I reach the spot when I need to head off the road, up a hill and continue on the trail to the ridge.
I'm happy to see 3 trails (kinda) heading up the hill. I pick the far one. It's more a deer trail than a human one but it works and I soon reach a dry trail (for the most part) and a clear shot at the pass. Great views along the way!
I'm nearing the Pass when something flitting around catches my eye. Holy cow - it's a Milbert's Tortoiseshell enjoying the sunny weather!!
I run into snow on the last 100 ft or snow. I decide to stop here (9973 ft) instead of trekking the rest of the way through the snow. The view is actually better here as the power lines are part of the view from the Pass.
I find a rock and take a rest enjoying the views and only the sound of the wind blowing. And it's a great view as I can see the snowy peaks of the Uintas Mountains 30+ miles away! Awesome!
There are some funky clouds rolling by over the peaks!
Soon it's time to head down. So far I haven't seen a soul after I left Silver Lake below. But surprise, as I reach that snowy hill back down to the road, I meet 2 men heading up the hill.
I make my way down to Twin Lakes
and make a quick stop at the lakes.
(No one here - strange as it's got to be near noon by now.)
On the way down to the ridge over Silver Lake, I see 2 separate couples heading towards Twin Lakes. Where is everyone today?!
I reach the ridge and head pass Silver Lake below.
I'm looking for Pika and I manage to see 3 of them!
And back down by Silver Lake, I see one trout when I cross the bridge.
Awesome day!
