Rampart Ridge Backdoor, Alta Mountain — Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020

Took the Backdoor trail for the first time to Lake Lillian, Rampart lakes, Alta Mtn, alternate loop to Rampart Ridge overlook on the return trip. Came in at 9.46 miles, 3625' up, 3525' down (due to alternate return route). Very rough mostly 1 lane road with very limited places to pass, very small parking lot, bugs really bad when the breeze quit, especially around the Lake Lillian area and trail. A few blow downs but trails mostly fine, there are snowfields covering the climb up from Rampart Lakes to the overlook but we went around on the rocks. Great trip that covers a lot of lakes and lake views, 2 mountain top views, meadows and ponds, much of it is extremely steep with loose gravel and tough on the knees on the way down. The trail up to Lake Lillian and beyond starts out steep and doesn't let up. Great alpine roaming around Rampart Lakes (and Lila Lakes with a short detour). If you do the alternate (west) loop on the return from Rampart to Lillian there is a short 10 minute spur trail to the Rampart Ridge overlook that is almost as spectacular as the view from Alta and worth the effort.