Rampart Ridge - Rampart Lakes — Sunday, Jul. 6, 2025

Really just want to reiterate: The mosquitos are terrible right now. Do not attempt if you do not have ample insect repellent. I had to apply twice, and even still if I stopped moving, there would be a swarm of dozens within a minute, trying to find any spot on me I missed spraying. 

I climbed all the way up to the junction that goes up to Point 5870, hoping that the bugs would be better up there. It was hardly better than down at the lakes, but the occasional stiff breeze provided some relief. The trail south towards Lake Lillian/Lake Laura splits into two, the western path up the chute still has lots of snow, it is passable, but melting quickly and some of the snow bridges looked very dangerous since they are hard to spot while going up. Going down was not terribly easy either. Other hikers said the eastern split was snow free. This would really only be an issue if you're trying to reach Point 5870 via Rampart Lakes without a little extra walking. 

Lots of wildflowers: lupines, heather, creeping dogwood, avalanche lily, columbines, etc. 
Heard a lot of birds but only saw a few: dipper, robin, junco, canada jay

Saw a couple of chipmunks and a Douglas squirrel as well.

Absolutely beautiful day - but mind the bugs! I saw some seriously under-prepared people on my way back down who were about to have a bad time.