Excelsior Peak via Damfino Lakes Trail — Sunday, Sep. 15, 2024

Hiked last Sunday 9/15. Thanks to WTA, I knew HWY 524 would be closed from Canyon Rd to Artists Pt (bike race/ride) but this def resulted in many more ppl on this trail- there were around 30 cars in the parking lot! Which surprised me as I thought this more of an off the beaten path type trail.

Despite the number of cars, trail wasn’t crowded at all- and it’s a beautiful, amazing hike 10/10 would do again & it would be a nice easy, scenic backpack.

Going up Excelsior Peak itself was really uphill- came back by continuing along trail and meandering down and looping around via the high divide trail- next time will go farther on the high divide but it was quite cloudy (started off sunny) so the views were obstructed.

We saw 2 people with HORSES - they went back via this trail (which they aren’t supposed to) as there were fresh hoof tracks.

Will definitely do again.

Good water source around 2 miles.

Road: the 2nd half is unpaved w/potholes but I think a low clearance vehicle would be fine if you take it slowly. This portion takes 45 minutes.