July 24 - McGee Creek

 Another sunny low 70s day. Heading to hike McGee Creek to Horseshoe Falls. This is the 2nd time on this trail; first time back in 2012. The hike is short at 3.6 miles and 700 ft. (I think the 1st time I hiked this, I stopped short of the Falls but after hiking this today, I'm not so sure.)

On the drive, I see three bunnies.

I around 7:30 and the lots is about 1/4 full. I gear up and start up the trail. The trail winds thru a "valley" with tall mountains on both sides. In front are some incredible peaks and I'm heading for him.

The vegetation is a lot of Buckwheat and Arrowleaf (and Paintbrush). Unfortunately most are past bloom except the Paintbrush.

As I start up, I'm seeing a few lizards.

Still looking for butterflies though especially on the downhill.

It's a steady climb which is nice.

I have the AllTrails map with pointing out "viewpoints" and "blooming flowers". I walk thru the blooming flowers but they are all drying up. :(

I can finally see the waterfall (yea) so I have the destination in view.

As I'm about lined up with the waterfall, I have to cross 2 creeks. Using rocks, only the bottoms of my shoes get wet.

The creeks are fed from the waterfall above (of course). There are Monkeyflowers in one creek.

I can hear the creek below roaring.

AllTrails says I'm about there but I do not see a spur trail so I continue heading uphill. After a short bit, I recheck AllTrails and it says I've gone too far. Where is that spur?

I head back with AllTrails in hand and find the spur right after the 2nd creek as one would expect. I head up the spur trail. The trail leads to an open view of a portion of the Falls. It's a closer view of the Falls one sees from the trail but personally, not very impressive. It's all about the adventure though.

I stop at the spur for a snack and quick break before heading back. Again, checking for butterflies along the way. I do see a Blue Copper coming out of the "blooming flowers" but surprisingly that it. I even take a secondary trail along McGee hoping to have better luck. But nothing - yes, a little disappointing.

Back at the TH, I'm sitting in the shade having some chips when I see a couple of Blue flyer in a circle of "veg" alongside the parking lot. I finished the chips and wandered over there. The one is a Western Pygmy Blue but he flies and disappears. I see another which has Orange markings -- I never get a gone look and he's gone too. And the other is a Blue Copper. All are gone before I can get photos - bummer! But at least I see some butterflies!!

Totals for the day: 3.72 miles, 735 feet

Great hike!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

April 4 - White Rock Loop (Antelope Island)

Image
Mostly sunny day with highs in the upper 40s and it's time for a hike in the sun!! One of the few Friday in months with sun. (And it's ok because we've finally crossed the 500inches of snow this year; making it 3 straight years above average in snowfall - woot! woot!) I leave around 7:30 and arrive at the gate around 8 to at least 9 cars lined up - what is going on!! I get to the gate and the lady says there is a running race today. Ok, where do I avoid. "East side" Ok, heading straight to White Rock. There are bison around the VC this morning and scattered on the west side. I've only the 2nd car in the lot. The weather is in the low 40s; good enough for no jacket but that wind is blowing strong from the NE. I need a jacket; unzipped and blowing in the wind but needed. I start up the trail and quickly hear Curlew. And I do find 2 of them; the only ones of the day. When I get to the top of the hill, I spot 2 Chukkars. I continue east along the loop spotting lot...
Read more

Silver Lake/Lake Solitude/Twin Lakes Loop (BCC)

Image
 Sunny day with temps in the mid-90s. Heading up to hike the loop today and then hopefully up to the Pass. I'm thinking the trails will be again crowded since it's still the 4th holiday week-end but heading up early. I arrive around 7am and after I park, I see a Porcupine walking across the parking lot across the street. Not a bad start. (And there are not many cars in the lot which is a happy surprise.) I gear up and make my way to the TH. No moose, deer or beavers this morning but the Iris are in-bloom now. I start heading up to Lake Solitude and yes, the flowers are starting to bloom. (And good thing because the Brighton/Solitude Wildflower walks are next week-end.) Lots of yellow bloomers, Bluebells, Columbine, etc. Quiet walk though. I do see a Pika at the first little rocky spot. She's gathering veg for the winter already. Farther along, I do see a need (mostly butt and a quick flash of a doe head) before the big avalanche. I can see her ribs so she needs to eat. Mayb...
Read more

June 27 - Lake Solitude (BCC)

Image
 It's an off Friday and I'm heading up to Twin Lake Pass (hopefully). It's a sunny day with temps in the low 90s. Rocky start as I realize I forgot my phone about 1/2 way down my block but I can live without that. Then as I turn up BCC, I realize I forget sunscreen. Big Oops! I'll be short hike today. :( I arrive around 7:30. Parking lot is pretty empty; I'm surprised. I head around the lake to the TH. No moose, deer or beaver. The plant life is getting taller and about ready to bloom. I'm seeing a few Geraniums, Thimbleberry, Bluebells, Paintbrush, Beardtongue, etc. Quiet walk - no pika, deer or moose. Although I find fresh deer tracks on the trail. I reach Lake Solitude; it too is quiet w/ no deer or ducks. Decision time: do I continue to do the hike; another 2 hrs in the sun or be smart. Of course, I choose the "smart option" and head back. Of the way back, I hear something moving thru the forest and stop to look. Lucky me! I see a Doe. She looking ...
Read more