Gothic Basin — Monday, Jun. 30, 2025

Got to trailhead at 10:15 on a Monday. Lot full, but plenty of spots on the road. Only saw maybe five or six other groups the whole day. A little bit of overgrowth and a few downed trees but easy to go around. A few bugs but we got very few bites. The first half is in the shade and easy, and the second half is steep with scrambling and and a few snow fields to cross. We managed with just boots and poles, no spikes. It was a little slippery so it would be better to bring them if you have them. The snow is starting to melt rapidly now. We didn't go to the upper lake because of the snow looked harder to cross and we were exhausted. Plenty of places to fill up water, lots of waterfalls. Very beautiful hike.