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.

I decided to chance the weather and make a trip up to Rampart Ridge. Although the first day and a half found me trying to stay dry, the third was sunny and beautiful. The trail to Rachel Lake is its normal ankle-twisting self, but made it to the lake with no problems other than rain showers that became more frequent as time progressed. Rampart Ridge (5100+) still has many snow patches but they are getting smaller and thinner. Watch out for thinning snow fields as you might post-hole or worse. I managed to drive a few myself. Rampart Lakes are mostly snow-free except the southern lake which is still 2/3 covered. There are still plenty of snow patches around the basin, but nothing that should impede your progress, although it looks like several of the popular routes to the ridge above the lakes are still snow covered. Trail to Lila Lake is mostly snow-free and gets very little use (or so it seems), which is fine by me. I stayed up high above the trail down to the lake and headed up to Three Tarns and the saddle between Alta and East Alta. The area around Three Tarns possesses a sublime beauty. It is high and wild and I didn't see a soul in the area the whole day. Many snow patches and slopes in this area, but they too are quickly melting. The saddle between Alta and East Alta (5700+) affords a great view of the upper Gold Creek Valley. I can't believe that with all of the times I've been to the Rampart Lakes, that I never turned right instead of left at the top of the ridge and made the 1.5 mile trek to Three Tarns

Left trailhead at approx. 11:45am. A cloudy day at this time. Nearly flat first section was a pleasant stroll through the woods for my hiking partner from work and yours truly. We enjoyed lots of conversation as well as admiration of the still moist vegetation from the morning's rain. At about 3/4 of the way, the trail begins to steepen and continues this way all the way to the lake. Gladly, there are numerous short flatter portions to allow one to take a break or just shake the legs a little. There are numerous stream crossings and a few beautiful waterfalls to behold. All stream crossings are easily dealt with. Exposed wet roots and rocks can be slippery and require careful step selection, specially on the way down. There is quite a bit of mud in the upper sections, and areas with water running through it (probably improving soon with drier weather). Also, one must be careful not to lose the true trail at times, since there are a few areas where side trails seem inviting. At the very end, just below the lake, there's a snow patch to be careful with. It is safer to climb on either side than walk across it. It was very cool and windy at this time, and the clouds began to lower somewhat. We ate, drank, took some pictures, and chatted with other hikers before starting on our way back. As far as the roads, no problems getting in and out. There was the broken glass evidence of a vehicle break-in at the trailhead, so be sure to not leave any items that would invite thieves. The toilet is well equipped with paper. Wear good boots to deal with roots and mud. Bring camera for memories. Lovely trail. Will have to return next year, since we missed the sun by about 1 hour.