April 23 - Grandeur Peak

Partly sunny day with highs near 60 degrees today.

Taking off work early (after reaching my 40 hours of course) and heading out to hike Grandeur Peak; a hike I've been thinking about for 3 weeks now. I think I've hiked it every Spring except last season. I've only ever made it to the top once; the 2nd saddle twice. For the most part I stop at what I call the 1st saddle with it's awesome view of the Salt Lake Valley. I stop there because there is too much mud/snow ahead (yes, only with about 700 feet of elevation to go).

The trail starts at 5,888 feet but you don't park at the trail. You park on the road which add another 10-200ft of elevation to the hike. (The hike is 5.4 miles round-trip from the TH; the peak is around 8300 ft).

I start somewhere around 8am. There are around 10 cars along the road already.

It's 39 degrees as I start and I'm in the shade as I start my trek to the TH. There is some green vegetation on the forest floor but nothing that looks like a Spring wildflower to me.

I reach the 1st waterfall; a little light on the water for this time of year.

I reach the 2nd waterfall and it's almost a trickle. Sad but that's what happens when you're in extreme drought conditions.:(

Just past the Falls, is the trail which probably crosses a footbridge over the stream/waterfall.

It's uphill for 0.8 miles (and about 700ft) through the forest before reaching the switchbacks leading out of the forest and towards the peak. Along the way, I do find snow along the trail in spots.

I reach the switchbacks and start up.

The Gambel Oaks are not yet in bloom; however, there's yellow violets, Spring Parsley, 


Biscuitroot 


and my favorite, Yellow Bells in bloom. 

Oh, I did see a few Oregon Grape buds and an emerging Lupine.

The views are incredible as always. Lots of snow on the peaks to the east 

and of course, Grandeur Peak.

Up I head to that saddle and cross for the view of the Salt Lake Valley. I'm standing behind several feet of snow at that.

I then climb a short trail to the north to my peak today and stop for a look-see. (~7600ft) That's Grandeur Peak!


To the east


I'm hearing this beautiful bird song (I've heard it on and off during the hike) and I finally find him; a Spotted Towhee.

I decide to go no farther to even though it seems I can get to the next saddle without going thru snow; at least the next section of it. I've done what I set out to do today - my only wish is that I had sun not clouds. Oh well. Good time! Take to head home!






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