Deadhorse Creek, Alta Vista Loop — Wednesday, Jul. 31, 2024

Joined several thousand acquaintances in the Paradise area this morning. An absolutely beautiful morning for it.

Even at 6:15AM when I started, the upper lot was about 1/4 full. I started up the Skyline trail as far as the Alta Vista viewpoint. By that time, that trail was essentially a conga line. Lots of nice people from lots of places, but, lots of people. Clearly, many people trying to arrive at the park entrance before the 7:00 reservation time.

Switching over to the Deadhorse Creek trail on the way down was a very different experience. It was mostly quiet, and I encountered only a few groups. I was able to sit and watch the birds and critters alone for extended periods. Multiple mama grouse with their now large chicks along the way.

Flowers were beautiful but mostly underwhelming--still good compared to many places, but not the typical Paradise area explosion. A few great looking patches. Some things were past prime, and some were not yet out. In particular, it appears that there is a lot more to come on Deadhorse Creek about another week or 10 days out. Oddly, almost no lupine, either past prime or still coming. More Cusick's Speedwell than I have seen in the area in the past.

Bugs were fine. A few buzzing things, but nothing with an appetite.

All in all, it was good to get out and share this amazing place with the mobs.