Excelsior Peak via Damfino Lakes Trail — Tuesday, Jul. 8, 2025

Road to trailhead is in good shape. It is paved for majority of the drive and then turns to gravel. The last mile has less gravel and more larger rocks scattered everywhere. Road is skinny and has some blind spots so just keep an eye out up ahead for oncoming vehicles. Plenty of turnouts along the road as well.

Arrived around 10:00am and was the sixth car. There is a pit toilet which was clean and stocked with toilet paper.

Trail is in good shape for the most part. There are seven trees down across the trail starting after the lakes and before the meadows. Was able to pass either around, over or under them. There are a few water crossings which aren’t bad and was able to keep my feet dry. There are also several patches of snow to cross. Would definitely recommend taking poles to help with these areas.

Bugs are out but we’re not bad. Some flowers are starting to bloom but looks like a week or two away from more blooming which will likely increase some of the bug activity.

I saw two people at the lakes as they were heading over to Boundary trail looking for a certain woodpecker. Then saw about nine people around Excelsior peak, either heading up or coming down. Other than that I was alone majority of the day.

Absolutely beautiful day and lots of great views.