**very happy to have brought: sunscreen, water filter, poles....didnt need microspikes/traction.
Parked at 7am - and only 6 other cars. Highly recommend an early start.
Very little snow encountered between rachel lake to the top of the ridge above rachel lake. just patches, easily doable.
There were more consistent snow fields on your way to rampart lakes. All - totally doable. To me, the trail above the snow was still obvious, but i'm sure some route-finding skills will help. Most of the lakes/tarns were melted out, except the large in the back basin. Icy blue colors, i saw 3 other people, plenty of dried out campsites, no bugs.
On the way down, there were at least 40 people on their way up. maybe 1/2 were planning on camping at rachel lake....those sites will fill fast. So consider back-ups (rampart lakes or lila lake area).
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