squaw springs hike

Clouds had moved in Monday night and because of the blanketing cloud cover, it really hadn't cooled down that much when we got up Tuesday: it was already close to 90F when H, Milt and I left town for the La Sal mountains.  We drove up the loop road about twelve miles to the Geyser Pass (dirt) road, and then continued on another three-ish miles to the Squaw Springs trailhead.  Up there it was about 75 F, mostly cloudy and with a light breeze.

Stunning Sego lily

The Squaw Springs trail goes up and down over ridges and washes through a variety of terrain: gorgeous aspen groves with some of the biggest aspens I've ever seen, scrub oak stands (complete with range cattle!), open meadows and dark spruce forests.  There were a couple of creek crossing but the water, while running well, wasn't too high.  There were tons of wildflowers - including our very first Sego lilies (Utah state flower) - and the aspen groves were so lush and green that it was difficult to believe we were in the desert.

Flower-filled meadows

After about 3.1 miles, we descended into a green meadow with the ruins of a log cabin and the abundant spring.  It was a beautiful spot with plenty of water - a good place to build a cabin.  We poked around for a while and then retraced our steps back to the truck.  Even though it was a little humid with all the greenery and creeks, the temperature hadn't climbed much due to the continuing cloud cover. 

Cabin and corner detail

Milton did well on this hike, although this time we kept him leashed.  With so many distractions (squirrels, birds, deer, cows), we were worried that he might get himself lost.  Even without running free, he tired himself out enough that when we got back to the truck, he laid down and napped, face in the dirt, without trying to get pets from the other hikers milling around at the trailhead.

So green

Hike stats:  6.3 miles; 3:08 total time; 1,280' elevation

So tired