Rachel Lake. Photo by "Moose."

The condition of the trail to Rachel Lake and the lake's environs exhibit what can happen when too many nature-loving hikers are unleashed on a fragile landscape. Though you'll enjoy spectacular views at the lake and en route, closer examination reveals a web of way trails stomped into the fragile meadows around the lake. And heavy use and poor trail planning have left the trail in rough condition. You'll splash up a track marred by mud and water, with seasonal streams running down the middle of the trail at times. You'll also fight crowds for the right to that sloppy trail, which receives unbelievably heavy use every weekend in the summer. For maximum benefit visit midweek or after Labor Day.

The trail runs into the forest of the Box Canyon Creek, climbing gradually for the first mile before leveling out for another 1.5 miles. The path stretches along the flank of Hibox Mountain, with occasional views up the face of Hibox and across the valley to Alta Mountain. Mostly, though, the trail stays under the trees, keeping you cool and well shaded as you head for the head of the Box Canyon.

There, at about 2.5 miles, the trail starts upward, climbing steeply as it gains more than 1300 feet in the next mile. That cruel pace is made all the more difficult because of the trail's poor condition. Seasonal streams spring from the headwall slope, trickling down onto the trail until they merge into a muddy stream. Effort has been made to divert the water off the trail tread, but just as soon as one ribbon of water is siphoned off, another streams down to take its place.

At about 3.5 miles out, just as your legs are getting weak and your lungs are burning from the climb, the trail levels out and rolls through the splashing spray at the foot of a gorgeous and refreshingly cool fantail waterfall. Stop for pictures and a moment of rest before tiptoeing along the logs that cross the creek below the falls.

The next 0.5 mile of trail climbs more moderately before thrusting you out onto the sunlit shores of Rachel Lake. Try to stay on the primary trail around the lake--too many boots have stomped across the fragile heather and moss meadows, creating a web of way trails that are slow to heal.

Find a suitable rock on which to relax while enjoying the views of the broad lake and the towering wall of Rampart Ridge beyond.