July 21 - Twenty Lakes Basin / Saddlebag Lakes

Heading for my absolute favorite hike on earth. This will be my 5th doing this hike (or a portion of it). I've completed the loop twice and portions of it 2 times. Today will be another "portion" of the trail going to the cliff drop-off.

I've never really like that part and the 1st part has the best views anyway.

45 degrees when I reach Saddlebag Lake around 7:30. The scree field I'll be hiking thru is still in the shade.

Really surprised that the only folks here are actually leaving but signs of the times I guess. Good for me!

I start with a light winter coat and start towards the dam crossing. Everything looks awesome - looking towards the lake and in the other direction.

I spot a marmot roaming around under the dam.

After crossing the dam, the jacket gets packed as the trail is now in the sun and although cool, it's perfect for hiking despite a strong north wind.

Not expecting bflies now but still looking. Lots of Columbine (red, yellow, mixed) 

and Balloonflowers. Also some Spirea and Heather(??). Low growing Lupine.

Oh I'm using hiking poles for the 1st time ever - can't hurt right - though I'm not sure what to do with them when taking pictures. And they are problematic for that but I'll figure it out.

Seeing bunches of Pika - just quick glimpses as they duck for cover in the rocks.

With every step the best views are coming into view. Absolutely love it!

Soon I have a view of everything!!

Towards the end of the scree field I see Edith Checkerspots - a couple of them. I'm so excited!! I believe I've seen them in Yellowstone but that was before iNaturalist. This time I can definitively add Edith Checkerspot to my life list!!

I also see a Blue and the darn poles get in the way and I don't get a photo. :(

But so many Paintbrush now!! So pretty!

Off the scree and take a short detour down the trail I took last year to get a photo and then I backtrack.

Lucky me, I find a Sierra Sulphur (actually the one of the day).

Then it's the log crossing always fun. And then it's time to start the actual loop!

I follow the trail to the lake. Definitely not the main trail as it follows the shoreline but very fun. 

Soon I connect with the main trail and I'm on my way.


Last year, I stopped soon after reaching the main trail but not today. Forgot that the trail climbs at the start but very doable (especially with the poles - ha!)

The views are so incredible it just defies words!

At one point, I see a American Lady; surprises me. It's been a long time since I've seen one of these.

And farther along in a particularly flowery spot, I see a Edith Checkerspot and a Skipper. Can't catch up with either but since I'm coming back this way, I'll keep my eyes open.

Just continuing alone with Mt Conness at my side until I reach a Long Lake. And there's a waterfall. Incredible!

My hips are bothering me now so I'm just going to the end of the Long Lake, taking a peek around the corner but I believe I'm not far from my stopping.

When I get there, I think that is very. So I turn around and find a spot in the shade and out of the wind and take a break with Conness in front for my fact. Perfect!

A good of backpackers come by and check it I'm OK. Yes, I am - can't be better!

After they are out of view, I decide to start the return trip. So many flowers!

I pass the packers at the end of the lake.

Back at the "flowery spot" I find butterflies. A Lustrous Copper!! 

A couple of Sandhill Skippers 

and I see a Clodius Parnassian!!

Yes, if I had any doubt, it was the perfect place to turnaround!!

I'm hungry now and reach that first lake. I don't eat lunch at the lake; it's too windy and chilly. So I go around some rocks and face Mt Conness instead.

Heading back to the log bridge, I find the beaten Blue. iNaturalist says it's a Dotted Blue.

Then it back over the log bridge, thru the Paintbrush where I see an Edith Copper and then the Scree field. Seeing bunches of the Edith Checkerspot now!!!

They are not Rockslide Checkerspot but I'm looking for them!

And I find the Rockslide Checkspots!! At least 8 of them! I'm so excited! (Or what is also referred to as a Sierra Nevada Checkerspot -- a subspecies of the Rockslide Checkerspot.)

The return is long; I'm tired but at least is cool and windy.

Soon the dam is in view and I'm crossing it!!

Awesome, Incredible day!

Butterfly List:

- Sierra Sulphur

- Rockslide Checkerspot

- Edith Checkerspot

- American Lady

- Lustrous Copper

- Edith Copper

- Clodius Parnassian

- Sandhill Skipper

- Lilac Border Copper

- Dotted Blue??



















But I want to chill outside because it's the coolest I've ever seen in Lee Vining (mid-70s) so I head to the Mono County Park for a rest and hydration. Boy was I ever surprise when there was a fire here! All the sagebrush that was home to many Wood Nymphs (Small) I think are burnt to the ground. :( Some how the park was saved (yea) but many trees alongside the park are burn. Very sad! I find a picnic table in the shade and rest until it got too windy. Time for a shower.

Awesome day!

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