It finally happened and it's mid August! Yes, the road to Big John Flat is open! This past winter brought much needed snow to Utah, however it also meant we had to curtail the hikes we had planned in the Tushars. Shelly Baldy Peak was the first on our list and it was worth waiting for . . . a fairly easy hike with only 300 ft of elevation gain. If walking through bright green meadows filled with wildflowers and stepping over little flowing streams sounds refreshing, then what are you waiting for . . . head for the mountains!
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| We parked at Mud Lake |
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| Mud Lake looks pretty, but the name fits . . . it is muddy! |
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| We came across this meadow filled with False Sunflowers and American Bistort |
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| Awesome views in every direction . . . it was a beautiful day |
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| That's Shelly Baldy Peak (11,321) just above the patch of snow |
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| I spotted these Cushion Phlox just as we were headed into the rocks |
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Can you find Chipper?
He struggled with the rocks and it became apparent that this was not the hike for him . . .
so Kent and Chipper turned around and retreated to the shade of some spruce trees |
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Within minutes, Andrew and I were on top of Shelly Baldy Peak 11,321
Woohoo . . . our First Mother-Son ascent! |
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This plaque and mailbox was put here just the day before!
We were the first to see it! |
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It was fun to read the comments from the family and friends of the Eagle Scout
who hiked up here with the sign, mailbox and cement! |
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We had great views of Mt. Baldy (12,122) on the left and
although it doesn't look as high, believe me Mt. Belknap (12,137) is higher!
We should know as we ascended it in 2008 |
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| Signs don't lie . . . I made it! |
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Like a bull in a china shop . . . watch your footing on the volcanic rock.
It sounded like we were stepping on broken dishes!
Another unique feature was that we could hear water gurgling under the rocks . . .
apparently from the remaining melting snow |
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| This is a great hike and only about 4 miles RT |
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| We've come full circle . . . back around Mud Lake |
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| Alpine Paintbrush, what a vibrant color! |
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One last peek at Shelly Baldy . . . of course I couldn't resist a few more wildflowers!
Tall Larkspur and Helianthella |
