July 2 - Twin Lakes Pass (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

 Partly sunny with highs in the low 90s. Heading up to Twin Lakes Pass to see the status of the flowers (and butterflies).

I arrive around 8am - a little later than normal because I head to work a few hours.

It's cloudy and in the mid-50s. It even drizzled on me on my way the canyon. I have my rain coat just in case but I'm hoping the sun comes out.

I make my way around the lake to the trail to Lake Solitude 

and start on my way. There are roses and irises in bloom around the lake.

Definitely, more flowers this week. Out now are in bloom are Thimbleberry, lupine, yellow composites, paintbrush, roses, White Columbine (and one multi-color one) 

and still lots of bluebells as I head to Lake Solitude.

I see a doe another the way; she looks skinny. :(

I arrive at the lake and stop for a few seconds and then start the uphill climb. It's still cloudy but there are small peeks of sun.

See a Pika on the uphill trip.

Up I go until the view of Twin Lakes presents.

It's still cloudy as I start making my way to the Pass Trail.

But once I reach the trail, the sun arrives!!!

But still cloudy in the other direction.


Like below, there are more flowers blooming but give it another week as there are lots of buds.

The sun brings out the Acmon Blue butterflies quite quickly.


Lots of moths flying this morning.

There's some nice flowers along the way.

I reach the Pass and take a quick break before heading back.

I see a Grey Jay stopping for a snack.

I also see more butterflies on the way down: Parnassians, Large Marble  and an unidentified Frit (most likely Callippe or Mormon).

The surprise is a Chryxus Arctic!!!

Then it's down to Twin Lakes. See more Parnassian and a Mustard White heading down.

I don't bother to stop at Twin Lakes as a whole big group of  people arrived.

Then back down to the switchback seeing Two-tailed Swallowtails and yet more Parnassians.

I hear Pika chirping but don't seeing again.

Then it's down to Silver Lake (finding a Weidemeyer's Admirmal) and home.

Great day!

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