I recently had a very lovely walk along the Brush Creek ski trail loop system which starts at the visitor center along W. C130 just west of the T intersection with Hwy C130 North. From Laramie take the C130 Centennial Snowy Range Scenic Byway all the way to the end where it bottoms out just east of Brush Creek. (approx 1 hour) It is a low damp area lined with spruce providing lots of cover for birds and wildlife. Clark's Nutcrackers were very common as they tamely flit just ahead of you, along with RC Kinglets. Also present were hermit thrush, chickadees, and a probable (plumbeous?) vireo. There were also quite a few butterflies including many checkered skippers, tiny blues, sulphurs, a cabbage and a mourning cloak. Also a sprinkling of some mostly white and yellow wildflowers along the wet path. All in all making for a very nice nature hike and a good spot for LAS birders and butterfliers to explore. It took about 4 hours to casually hike the entire loop of about 10 miles of easy level terrain, damp and a bit muddy requiring boots. The intersections of the trail are well marked with signs and maps but bring a pocket compass to be sure of correct path to take. Be aware of elk ( saw several) and possibly black bear. Have a real nice walk on this pretty and quiet trail.
Frank Piraino, June 2013
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