I've only been to the lake once back in Oct 2014 and the trail is beautiful and the glacier basin is spectacular! (And all without snow!) But I have been up the trail the last 2 winter stopping when the trail "ends" some where about the 2 mile mark.
Today, there will be snow. Mountains had around a foot a week or so ago. Heading up because I've always wanted to see the glacier basin when there's snow on the ground and today is the perfect day to do that. The forecast is sunny and temps in the low 60s in the Valley. (I'm also curious where the winter "trail" deviates from the actual trail.
Well, making to the basin is in jeopardy today as I got off to a late start - woke up with a sinus headache. Hopefully, the fresh air will help.
Heading up the canyon, most of the leaves (even at the lower elevations) have fallen. I'm sure that was accelerated by the snow and several days of frost.
I arrive at the trail somewhere between 10 - 10:30. The parking is still in the shade and the temps are near 40 degrees. I'm prepare with gloves, many layers and my YakTrak for any ice or slippery packed snow (especially on the way down). I only forget lunch - but I have at least one granola bar in my pack. :)
As I start up the trail, it's a mix of open ground and snow pack. The same can be said with the supporting aspen forest - snow in spots but other open. I'm sure it'll be snowier the farther I head up.
I quickly reach the footbridge crossing the creek. (Sure would look better in the sun. Maybe on the way back if the sun actually gets high enough this time of year.)
I continue up the trail. Lot's of frost on those fallen yellow aspen leaves that cover the trail. At about the 0.8 mile mark, I reach the creek
and the split in the trail for Red Pine and White Pine.
After a quick stop at the creek, I head left up the 4 switchbacks before the trail levels off. At the end of the 1st switchback is a view point looking west down the valley. Unfortunately, there's too many branches in the way for a clear view.
Continuing up the 2nd switchback, I find 4 piles of moose scat. I don't see any moose tracks in the snow/ice but plenty of deer. But on the 2nd switchback, I hear and find a lone Pika.
At the end of the final switchback is a meadow and views of snowy mountains in the distance. That's my destination!!
The trail is now for the most part level through a pine forest. Very quiet - no birds or sounds of squirrels or chipmunks yet.
At about 2 miles, I arrive at a meadow.
The winter "trail" continues straight here up the meadow where it will eventually end where ever the snow gets to deep.
But the actual trail heads left and starts a series of switchbacks heading towards those mountains. I was actually going to only investigate the trail a bit farther but I found myself drawn in and rising ever higher on foot wide snow packed trail.
I keep thinking I'll arrive at end of the next hill or trek thru the woods but I keep going higher.
I'm getting pretty tanked as I haven't walked this far or gained this type of elevation since before my broken foot (actually probably, since last summer) but I keep pushing finally arriving at a large meadow (around 3.4 miles).
I'm so near but more up and hopefully at the end of this next forest I'll be there (fingers crossed).
And soon, I'm there - the entrance of the glacier basin!!!
(A shot from 2014 at basically the same spot is below.)
Another foot of snow and you'll never know it's a boulder filled field.
The trail continues up and around to the left and across the basin to the lake (another mile and 600+).
I head up just a bit but stop to rest and enjoy the views. (Just not enough in the tank to go farther. But I'm not disappointed I finally got to see the snowy basin - I'm so happy. Mission accomplished!!)
Hey, there is a group of people on the dam!
I find some open ground under a pine tree at the edge of the trail and take a break.
Soon, it's time to start my way down and I get to look at those mountains the whole day down!
Incredible day!
