June 27 - Lake Mary, Martha, Catherine (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

 Sunny day with highs in the 90s.

Heading up Big Cottonwood to hike up to Catherine Lake and if I feel adventurous, Catherine's Pass and above.

I arrive between 6:30-7am and there's already a decent crowd parked but I don't see many on the trail that's in front of  me.

The trail is still in the morning shade and it's only in the 50s - perfect for uphill hiking.

I gear up and head up. Lots of green but only a few Geraniums, Starwberries, Lupine, Horsemint, Bluebells, Cinquefoil, MeadowRue in bloom on the slopes. In the wetter areas, there are buttercups in bloom.

No moose or deer on the uphill. :(

I soon reach the Dog Lake turn-off - maybe on the way down.

I cross the footbridge, plenty of water here, then it's up to the Dam


and finally Lake Mary. 

I search the shores for moose but find none. 

Despite the number of cars, there's only a few people at the Lake. 

After a quick look, I continue on to Lake Martha enjoying the views along the way.

No moose at the Lake Martha either.

Then it's around some switchbacks and I'm on the last stretch to Lake Catherine and there are some wonderful views of the Mary and Martha here.

And of course, the meadow and Catherine's Pass in the background.


I head over to Lake Catherine. Oh my, the White Columbine are gorgeous!!

The lake is calm and no moose either.

The surrounding peaks are snow-less but the lake is pretty fully (yea!)

I stop to enjoy for a bit.

Then it's time to continue back thru the field of marigolds back to the main trail. There are some blooming Green Gentian here.


Part of me want to continue to the Pass but I decide to head back down spotting some Shooting Star on the other side of the lake.

Awesome day! And it ends with a pair of Marmots - I think a Mom and baby.




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