A favorite for a hike that feels like an accomplishment to me, but is also enjoyable the entire way to the pass and beyond. The amazing trail and changing environments make it one I've eagerly returned to several times now. From the beautiful forest where the adventure begins, to the subalpine meadows, to the amazing views from the pass and to the left and right of the pass.
Snow free to the pass, a few patches to the left and right. A few downed logs across the trail, and some are a bit of fun to get over, but all are manageable.
A note on camping - on Thursday night, the obvious sites in and near Camp Mystery were almost all occupied. Weekends must be quite the party up there. It's a good reminder that this area has high visitation and we can help our fellow hikers and the area by showing respect, whether that's packing our trash and maybe the trash we find (I found a rusty tent stake, my friend found a straw wrapper and a pile of Jolly Ranchers!), securing our food responsibly, and being, well, kind.
Two marmots in the meadow beneath the pass, a few grouse, a garter snake down lower, and then deer tracks (including a fawn) at the pass. We also heard a coyote talk to itself! In the valley north of Buckhorn Mountain on Thursday night, it would vocalize, hear its very clear echo, and then talk back. This went on for ten minutes. Adorable.
Also saw one of the coolest fog phenomena I've seen. See picture below. Not the first fogbow, but I've never seen a full circle. The figure in the ring is me! And my friend was about 50' to the left, and saw the same thing, just of her. We didn't realize what we were seeing until we started moving.
Happy trails!
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