Sunrise Lake, Dege Peak — Friday, Jul. 5, 2024

Hiked up to Dege Peak from the Palisades Lakes lot. It’s is 1.5mi and about 980ft of elevation gain to the summit from this direction. A small snowfield remains about 200yd from the summit, easily crossed without microspikes. The views are expansive and the flies are hungry at the peak. Wildflowers are just starting to bloom with avalanche lily and creeping flox along the trail.

After descending, we passed back through the parking lot for a quick hike extension down to Sunrise Lake. There is a substantial snowfield both before and after the rock slide and microspikes and poles are definitely needed. The lake is crystal clear and a few salamanders were spotted swimming about. It looks like there is still substantial snow headed out towards Clover Lake and beyond. Pack appropriate gear if you’re headed out that way.

There was no one on either trail and the parking lot was nearly empty — a shocking luxury this time of year, but I suppose everyone was sleeping in from the festivities of the 4th.