Enchantment Lakes

This was an attempt to make it to the Upper Enchantments (and back) in a single day from the Snow Lakes trailhead. (Fires in the area have shutdown the Stuart Lakes trail; see the recent post here: http://www.fs.usda.gov/[…]/?cid=stelprdb5318227 or area closure notice here: http://www.fs.usda.gov/[…]/stelprdb5394007.pdf?

Starting at 5am the air quality was good, and the temperature slightly chilly; about 90 minutes of hiking in the dark before the day started to lighten up. The entire trail is in very good shape; I say that assuming you're in good shape too. Currently no blowdowns, detours, mud to wade thru, or snow, but the ascent is pretty constant - from trailhead to the Upper Enchantments is around 12 miles with over 6500 feet to climb.

The goats seemed to be out in full force; I ran into 7 or 8 overall, two groups in the Lower Enchantments and one group in the Upper. Although they were all directly on or close to the trail, for the most part they left me alone. However the ones in the Upper Enchantments followed me for 5 minutes before getting bored, and a couple on my hike back barricaded me (and some friendly campers) on a rock for 15 minutes or so (they must of known I needed a break).

As I was heading up a solo hiker [on his way down] mentioned that the previous couple nights his water was frozen each morning when he woke; he was camping in the Upper Enchantments.

Some highlights: amazing views thanks to perfect weather & solid blue skys, crystal clear water everywhere, the larch trees are glowing orange, and Upper Snow Lake is around 50 feet below its height.

Overall the hike took 13.5 hours, and round trip was 24+ miles. For a map including elevation see: http://www.flickr.com/[…]/ (green line) or for a full set of photos: http://www.flickr.com/[…]/