Spider Meadows #1511,Spider Gap,Phelps Basin

A classic Fall trip into Spider Meadow, up to Spider Gap and on day 3 into Phelps Creek Basin. Marginal weather with some rain at night, but lots of sun between the clouds during the day, and what gorgeous country! So many campsites at the lower end of Spider Meadow we got our pick of them with both view and shelter from the wind. Firewood abundant and dry. The hike to Spider Gap was easy except for being side-tracked by spur trails to campsites enroute. Trail in great shape. View from The Gap spectacular. Snowfields not so steep as to even really require ice-axes, though we did have them. No bugs whatsover anywhere! Crisp Autumn air, auburn foliage of ash and huckleberry, cool breezes to keep you from overheating even during the most strenuous climbing. Upper Phelps Basin is absolutely pristine, barely any visible trace of boots or trails anywhere!

Photos at: http://picasaweb.google.com/pfitech.seanet.com/SpiderMeadowSpiderGapAndPhelpsBasinBackpack