We went for a 3-dayer. Our first night was at Rachel lake; all the sites are in good condition but keep an eye out for other people's trash along the way. We picked up quite a bit of garbage. Our second night was on one of the Rampart Lakes; all the campsites are clear. Some of the trails around the upper lakes are grown over; there are still a few patches of snow. It is extremely cold and windy at night, with off-and-on showers, so pack extra layers. Be watchful for the restoration/ re-vegetation areas - there are several in this area.

A stunningly gorgeous hike on what was probably the hottest day of the year. We had never before experienced this kind of warmth in the alpine lakes area, with cloudless skies throughout, and a dip in the cool lakes was truly refreshing rather than just novelty or a test of the will. We started from the lot around 11 AM, and surprisingly it was not yet full. We reached the moss slab before noon, and cooled down at the falls not too much later. Once the grade steepens, it is no joke. As promised the last mile of the total four to Rachel Lake gains 1300 feet and was tough especially considering the outlandish weather. We downed a lot of water. We reached the lake just before 2 PM, making for a sub-three hour ascent. The Lake was certainly popular, though we were glad that some of the day hikers were clearing out by mid-afternoon. Still, for those seeking solitude, a weekend at Rachel Lake is probably not advised. After lunch and a swim, we decided to head to Lila Lake. We got off track just after the trails splits between Lila and Rampart Lakes and began following an old trail by mistake. We doubled back and got off track again, and began scaling another beaten path up a small peak along Rampart Ridge. We finally worked our way back to the right and reached the rim around Lila Lake, first encountering the small pond above it and noting the relative lack of visitors. At around this point, we sustained a full insect assault, including mosquitoes and black flies. The two types of repellent we had did little to quell their furious blood thirst. We swam in Lila Lake and found bug refuge on the small island, overlooking the peaks beyond the edge of the water like an infinity pool--very cool. We started our way back to camp around 5:30 and had to move fast to minimize the bites. Once we arrived, the sun was just setting behind the ridge to the west of Rachel Lake. A gorgeous red-orange moon rose as we ate dinner on a bluff facing east over the valley, and just before full darkness clouds materialized from the west. An epic day. Up early on Sunday we made the descent in exactly two hours.

The trail was fine, and the views were incredible. What's inspired me to write a review is the encounter we had with THE BUGS! We hiked up to Lila lake (past Rachel, turn on Rampart ridge). Hikers coming down from Lila warned us about the bugs, but we figured liberal application with our Jungle Juice 100 would keep them at bay. We were wrong. We had only a brief respite after the sun was down, but the night didn't end up being cool enough to make the mosquitoes call off the hunt. The three of us ended up with hundreds of welts. When we got up in the morning, we did a mad dash to pack up and get the H-E-double-hockey-sticks out of there. Campers at Rampart reported doing the same on the way down. At Rachel, the bugs were bad, but not old testament plague bad. I really really advise against going up Rampart this time of year, and especially against trying to camp up there. I did Lila in 2003 and don't remember the bugs being that bad. Perhaps then it was after the first freeze (I do think it was mid-September) and this spot will be nothing but delightful in a few weeks.

Hiked in the late evening of Thurs, Aug 14 for a two night stay at Rachel Lake. Bugs weren't bad that night when we arrived (10 pm). The trail is in great condition, though the root-stair-climbing toward the end is burly. On to Rampart Lakes on 8/15, mosquitoes and flies were omnipresent and aggressive. The lakes were cold but refreshing. Fri-Sat at Rachel Lake was crowded - there must have been 100 day hikers on their way up.

I had read a lot of write-ups & route descriptions so had wanted to do this hike for some time. Not too many cars at trailhead when I arrived just before 10 AM. It had rained overnight so foliage wet but weather clear today. Another solo hiker at trailhead. Early switchback missed and a sign soon warned us that this was not the Rachel Lake trail! (looks like weren't the first to miss it). Most of the first 3 miles of this trail pretty moderate with not much elevation gain. Lots of creeks, streams, and waterfalls. Also, some wildflowers in clearings with views up to Hibox Mt and Alta Peak. At around 3 mile mark trail steepened and the last mile or so is brutal, like the guidebooks describe. Arrived at the lake and had lunch. I had the lake all to myself (not sure where the solo hiker who went ahead had gone to). A few bugs, enough to apply some repellent. I decided to take the rough path up to the southwestern end of the lake where there is an isolated bay. A few snowfields left on the slopes above. As I headed back I heard some yelling, hooting, and hollering. It sounded like it was coming from where I had taken lunch. As I neared I noted 4 gals who had decided to take a plunge, one of them sans clothes. Torn by whether to approach with a wide grin or continue back down, I left them alone. I soon encountered a couple of guys who after I informed them of the scene just ahead, quickened their pace! Obviously the one girl was not shy since this trail is usually well-traveled. I think I passed around 30 people on the way down (some with kids and also a few with camping gear). There are other side trips from the lake that I would like to try on another trip (with more time and/or energy). I would recommend this hike but keep in mind the last mile+ is a relentless uphill over roots and rocks. Trail well maintained otherwise with few blowdowns.