Esmeralda Basin (Esmerelda), Lake Ann — Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024

Lovely day in the Teanaway. Arrived at 9am to a mostly full parking lot at the Esmeralda Basin TH. Folks must have been going to Ingalls, I only passed three parties during the hike. Trail is in great condition, perfect temps for hiking and blue clear skies. It was about 40 degrees when I started and never felt hot even in the exposed section. Lake Ann is small and shallow, more of a tarn really. I’m sure it’s a very pretty spot when the larches turn! I saw a shrew or vole swimming and diving among the rocks, it was pretty neat! Wasn’t able to get a clear pic of it unfortunately. Water sources in the basin flowing nicely. No water between the junction with Lake Ann and the lake itself.