Gothic Basin — Friday, Jul. 18, 2025

Got to the trailhead about 1015 on a Friday morning and there was plenty of lot parking and road parking to go around. Got back down Saturday at 1245 and it was packed all along the road and lot.

I’ll save the reports of how hard of a hike it is. That’s part is well documented and accurate.

However, I will say for however hard it is, it’s totally worth it. The basin is stunning on its own. But if you’ve done all the work take the last push to foggy lake. There are panoramic views as you approach the lake.

If you’re camping, especially on a weekend, go early. Lots of people setting up late Friday to stay and explore Saturday and I passed probably 6 groups in the last mile to the top before 10am.

Regardless allow yourself time to stay into the early afternoon as this is when it appears many of the clouds and fog burn off so you get those views the hike is known for.