Beautiful day for a hike! Bits of snow at the junction just before Mirror Lake, but I can't imagine it will survive more than a few days of warm temperatures and sun. It does provide a steady source of mud at the moment. The mud, however, is the only obstacle on an otherwise clear and well-maintained trail with just enough incline and a clean clear tread. There is a somewhat precarious log crossing at the creek just below Cottonwood Lake, but there's no need for it; just pass under it and you'll see an easy rock-hop.
Lakes are ice free, and the waterfall past Mirror Lake is running high. Beargrass is just approaching peak; I'd say it will start to fade in a week or so, but should be great for the Fourth of July weekend. Scattered other wildflowers are starting to come out, but it seems still pretty early for flowers.
The last half-mile of road seems worse than last time I did this trail; I know some people attempt it, but really, just save yourself the stress and trouble and park below. There was no one there when we arrived at 7:45 AM on a Friday but it was starting to fill up when we left around noon. It was really nice to have it to ourselves, and we spent a lot of time just screwing around at the waterfall taking pics.
Overall, this is a short hike that will get your heart rate up just enough, and with plenty to see along the way and at the end. We considered the Tinkham Peak extension but saved that for another day.
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