What a beautiful fall weekend hike! We set out with two dogs and our packs from the trailhead at 1:30pm on Friday, with the plan to overnight at either Rachel or Rampart Lakes and explore the area the next morning. The road in is slightly potholed but well maintained compared to many others. Plenty of open parking spots at this time. The 2 miles of the hike are forested with what seems like not that much incline, but the second half is VERY rocky and rooty, similar to how I remember parts of Heather Lake trail being, but for virtually the whole second half. Luckily, with the elevation gain, you start to get better views of the leaves changing and the surrounding mountains. Got slightly off course a couple times on the way up, but easily corrected. About 3 hours later, arrived at beautiful Rachel Lake. We decided to make this our stopping point rather than pushing on to Rampart Lakes. There were a couple other camps in the lakeside sites, so we ended up choosing a nice site with a view of the lake and a nice beach on one side, and a view of the mountains and Hibox on the other side. Checked out the local privy, which was close to full, but otherwise pretty much as expected.
After setting up camp, we went down to cook and rehydrate our food for our lakeside dinner and happy hour. There was a gorgeous sunset over Hibox mountain and the surrounding peaks behind us. Other camping groups had filtered in behind us, maybe 6 to 8 total. By dark there were still a couple sites left, but they were trail-adjacent and did not have views of the lake. Hung our bear bag and played some cards in the tent before calling it a night, luckily only got down to the 50s or so that night, very comfortable.
Both dogs woke us up for sunrise and were ultimately too excited to settle down in the tent after going out in the morning, and as a result we got an earlier than usual start on the day. Breakfast and coffee by the lake and then we started up the trail to Rampart lakes. This was a decently steep climb up and we were both happy to be doing it without full packs. Even more gorgeous views of Rachel Lake and fall colors. We made it up to Rampart Lakes and the gorgeous views continued. Spent an hour or more roaming the trails and sitting by the larger lake. This area reminds me of mini-Enchantments. There was one great campsite and a couple other campsites as well. They are definitely more dispersed and less obvious than the ones at Rachel Lake, which could be perfect, or could be frustrating if you are getting there late or last. Went exploring the hill by the larger lake, and saw many birds up there and 2-3 signs for the toilet, but no actual toilet. I am not sure if there still is one up there or if it was removed. (Anyone know?)
Headed back down to camp and ended up departing around noon. Already forgot how rocky and rooty the trail was, and since it was a weekend, it had become very crowded. We probably passed 50+ people on our way down, and having to pull off the trail on the narrow parts every 100 yards was less than ideal, but what are you gonna do. Got back to the cars just before 3pm. A couple of lot spots had opened up around ours, but otherwise cars were parked WAY down the road.
Overall, one of my favorite hikes, I think this is the perfect time of year for the views and colors. Definitely recommend on a weekday if you can. All cars should be able to get you there and get ready to use your legs (and arms) to pull you up. Trekking pole definitely earned its keep.
Comments