Sept 24 - Twin Lakes (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

 Sunny day with a high of 80degrees. Had plans to hike Broads Fork today but my knee stiffened up from yesterdays hike so going with a shorted and less elevation hike - and a good standby.

Colors are really starting to pop as I drive up the Canyon. There are small patches of bright color but still far from peak.

I arrive at the Silver Lake parking and it's 36 degrees - lovely.

I gear up and head out - boy am I hoping those Bull Moose have moved on since it's now rutting season - they should be chasing females not hanging out around Silver Lake. Fingers crossed.

Boy, is the ground brown and the trees on the other side of the lake are in full color.

The boardwalk is frosty and there a patch of water that is frozen -- one day closer to winter.

I scan for moose and I don't see any but the walk to will tell.

I reach the footbridge. The Fall colors are reflecting in the lake.

I work my way to the trail head and yes, no moose!

I make my way towards Lake Solitude.

Along the way I see 2 doe -- boy, I can see the ribs on both of them.

And father along, I see another doe.

Other than the deer, I'm only seeing squirrels and chipmunks running around gathering food.

Soon I reach Lake Solitude. There are a few Mallards on the lake and an ole so beautiful moon over the mountains!

Time to head up the hill - hey, there's a still blooming Paintbrush!

Once up the hill, I get more Fall colors!

Then I make it to my perch for a quick break. Yellow composites are blooming here.

Time to head down hill thru a ton of Asters that have gone to seed.

I reach Twin Lakes stopping briefly 

before continuing down to the switchback. 

Lots of water running from the dam. I guess they're actually going to lower the water levels.

I see a lone doe on my way down.

Then just before I getting to the switchback, I spot another doe -- this one has "meat on its bone'! That's 5 for the day!

Down along the switchback 

I spot a couple of Pika and a Marmot.

Then down thru a tunnel of awesome yellow Aspens 

to Silver Lake.

Great day!

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