This week I hiked with two of my sons which is always a pleasure. They add an element of fun whenever they hike with me. Today it was snowball fighting on the trail and helping me capture some unique photo opts that I wouldn't have seen without their help. Thanks Cory and Mike! We picked one of my all time favorite trails. I hike to Twin Lakes a least once every summer and again in the fall. Make sure to hike all the way around the lakes!
Twin Lakes
This trail begins on the northwest side of Silver Lake in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Twin Lakes is on the same trail as Lake Solitude for about 150 yards then you will take a sharp left for the Twin Lakes trail. It's very obvious, can't miss it or you will head to Lake Solitude - another great beginner hike! The distance to the Twin Lakes dam is 1 1/4 mile with and elevation gain of 710 feet. It seems pretty steep, but realize it's a short distance. Most people only venture to the dam so make sure you continue completely around the lake. Today there was still too much snow - next time!
There is still a lot of ice on the lake.
Looking back toward the dam. I love the effects of melting ice on the lake.
This reminded me of glacier calving in Alaska.
Mount Millicent (10,452 feet) and Mount Wolverine (10,795 feet).
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The snow on the bank of the lake made the water look extra blue.
Mount Wolverine up close.
Ghost writer! Guess how I got this shot???
Boys will always be boys!
"For myself I hold no preferences
among flowers so long as they are
wild, free, spontaneous!" Ed Abbey
Wildflower of the Week
This beautiful wildflower is called a Western Wallflower and is a member of the mustard family. It blooms in late May and early June and is scattered sparsely on hillsides.
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CraZy Hiker Chicks Top 10 Reasons to Hike
#10 Hiking is an excellent cure for boredom.
#9 Hiking will strengthen your legs. You may even notice calf muscles.
#8 On hiking trails you meet the most friendly people. And even friendlier dogs.
#7 Winter hiking allows you to escape the inversion in the valley and breathe CLEAN, FRESH AIR!
#6 Hiking relieves stress, worry and anxiety - GUARANTEED!
#5 If you are lucky you will see a variety of wildlife on your hike. Keep your eyes open! And look around!
#4 Hiking will improve balance, coordination and bone density because you are walking on very uneven surfaces.
#3 Hiking increases feelings of well-being and lowers depression.
#2 Hiking gives a greater appreciation for the beauty of our natural world.
#1 Hike for the pure pleasure of it! John Muir said it best "Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul."
Peaks Bagged
1. Grandeur Peak ♦♦ 8299
******Miles hiked tally
beginning March 22, 2013
62.3
