Rampart Ridge - Rampart Lakes, Rachel Lake — Saturday, Jul. 18, 2020

Beautiful overnight to Rampart Lakes. Arrived at the trial head at 8:00 AM. Both lots were full and there were about 20 cars already parked on the road. Not too surprising since it was a beautiful and sunny Saturday in July. Slow going for us with our full packs and the heat. The trail was very crowded but we did have it to ourselves at several points. For the most part everyone was stepping off the trail and wearing masks when passing each other. Thank you to those who are helping keep us all safe and healthy! 

Left the car: 8:30 AM

Arrived at Rachel Lake: 11:00 AM

Break at Rachel (15-20 minutes)

Arrived at Rampart Lakes: 12:30ish PM

The trail is a little tricky to follow about a mile (maybe less) before Rachel Lake when it becomes a creek with tiny waterfalls. It's still pretty easy to follow overall since this is such a heavily traveled trail. Most of the overnight campers seemed to be stopping at Rachel Lake. It was crowded. There's a beautiful waterfall maybe a mile or so before Rachel Lake. Lots of nice places along the trail for you and your dog to enjoy a cool break in water. 

Near the toilet sign at Rachel Lake you will see another sign that says "Trail". Follow that up a few switchbacks to get to the intersection of Rampart Lakes and Lila Lakes trails. Left takes you to Rampart and right takes you to Lila. The trail to Rampart is easy going after the push up the hill from Rachel Lake. There is a trail intersection maybe a 1/4 mile from Rampart Lakes where you can either go straight/left or up/right. Not sure where straight takes you but up and to the right takes you to Rampart lakes. Maybe it all connects around but we didn't explore that way.

Arrived at Rampart Lakes around 12:30ish. It was much quieter than Rachel Lake. We lucked out and were able to get an awesome big campsite right on the first lake. Even though there were many campers there is a lot of space to spread out at Rampart Lakes so it didn't feel too crowded. We were able to social distance very easily from other groups.There are lots of social trails connecting all the small lakes. This is such a magical place with little lakes above lakes and more lakes! 

Spent a beautiful night at the lake. My brother in law stayed up and was able to see the comet NEOWISE. Very clear and beautiful night. Mosquitoes came out around 7:30 PM. Woke up at 4:45 AM to someone flying their drone to see the sunrise. Whomp whomp. Maybe crowds are the price you pay to see this beautiful place. Wish we were able to come mid week. It is likely still crowded but maybe a little less packed. 

Left camp at 9:30 AM and made it back to the car a little before 1:00 PM. It was hot and beautiful. Upper 80's. Poles helped on the way down with the slippery rocks and big steps. 

Enjoy and please recreate responsibly.