We had no difficulties getting to the trail head. There is an outhouse right at the parking lot. The trail starts off with a nice meander through the woods (the greenery was amazing, and there were beautiful orange and yellow mushrooms growing on some of the fallen logs), and then across a few small creeks and a few fields of ferns and wildflowers. The lower part of the hike is varied and interesting - I kept wanting to slow down just to appreciate everything. We also noticed that there were fish (maybe trout) in the deeper sections of the creek we were walking next to. Three miles in you cross a larger creek and then the hike gets very steep and much more technical. There are great spots for breaks - large boulders with beautiful views. However, you have to be comfortable hiking on a lot of steep, rocky terrain and a lot of roots. You will end up following a creek bed for a while, including jumping from rock to rock going up the creek for a short distance. Much of the creek bed was dry, however. Be sure to pack a light jacket if you go soon. Today was warm for most of the hike - short sleeves were best, but once we arrived at the lake the temperature cooled off significantly and everyone in my group put on an extra layer. In case you need it, there is a very primitive "toilet" at Rachel Lake - it's a wooden box set on the ground pretty much right out in the open. The way down isn't much faster than the way up. The technical nature of the first mile on the way down slows you down a bit and the remaining three miles are largely flat, so there's no opportunity to pick up a lot of speed. You'll just want to leave enough time to get back down. Bugs really were not a problem - we all had forgotten our bug repellant, and I don't think any of us were bitten up that much. We mostly had bugs at the lake - flies, a few bees, and a few mosquitoes. There were huckleberries and blueberries along the sides of the trail.

The cool, cloudy day was just right for a hike to Rachel Lk and then beyond to Alta Mt. Shoulder high meadows along Box Canyon still have some blooms. There are ripe Huckleberries near the Lake. The trail is in good condition along the creek but once it begins to climb upward, it becomes a challenge: roots and rocks and well worn secondary paths. Upon reaching the lake, breezes lowered the temperature to almost-cold. We trudged upward and into thick, swirling fog which lifted enough so that we had views of Lila Lakes below. A very handsome rock monument has been "built" on the summit.

It was a cool and cloudy Friday as we hiked up to Rachel Lake and beyond to Alta Mt. Shoulder high meadows still have many blooms and huckleberries are ripe near the lake. The trail along the Box Canyon valley is in good condition. The hard work begins as the trail gains elevation on the way up to the lake. Rocks, roots washouts and many secondary paths create the challenge. At the lake the breeze made the temperature almost cold. As we trudged higher yet the fog swirled around yet was intermittent enough to allow views of Lila Lakes below. It is truly lovely Alpine Lakes Wilderness up on the ridges above the lakes. The stone monument atop Alta appeared out of the fog letting us know we could stop climbing.

We got to the trail head at 10am and there were quite a few cars there already. We set out right away and made good progress. There were some bugs and it was really hot, but we didn't need repellent. The bugs got worse in the middle of the hike and better towards the top once the breeze came in. The trail was in good condition, still some water on the trail after the waterfall, which can make resistant shoes worth it. The lake was wonderful, we got there at noon and many people were swimming (bring your swim suit and water shoes!). We needed more water than normal due to the heat and long hike out. We finally broke down and syphoned out some water from the brook at the big rock - boy scout style - it tasted wonderful and got us to our car. So far so good. The trail overall was obviously heavily used and we saw many people on our way out. This hike is the only hike that takes me the same time in as out.

The hike to Rachel Lake does have water on the trail as previously reported, but it lasts for less than a quarter of a mile and provides no real obstacle. Once you hit Rachel Lake the mosquitoes become apparent. On the way up to Rampart Ridge they intensify, and finally reaching Rampart Lakes, they appear in full force. Be prepared! Rampart Lakes are beautiful of course, one of the top spots in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Come prepared for mosquitoes, or wait and do the hike later in the summer. http://ontheroad22.com/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/justinreznick/