I really love this hike... if only miles 2-4 weren't part of it. Every time I go I am mystified that thousands make the trip to Rachel Lake annually; the trail is simultaneously hard to find and hard to lose. I find myself in an area that can't possibly be trail and continue on a bit only to find the trail in front of me. It's a weird trek over what can be a running stream of meltwater in May, but is usually dry by August. And because so much of that portion of the trail is in what is under snow/water 6-8 months a year, it's tough to tell if it's really trail. But rest assured, if you can walk on it and it seems like a dry creek bed, you're on the trail.
Left home 6:20, started hiking by 7:40--maybe six cars in the lot. Quick note on the road: the last 4 miles are gravel, but among the best gravel roads I've driven to a climb. You can hit 40 MPH on it without fear of breaking an axle, though 30 is probably more sane, up or down. Not even terribly dusty. Beautiful morning--very clear down low--and about 45 minutes hiking to the Hibox trail turnoff (easy, flattish, clear trail for 2.25 miles), and 1:50 to Rachel Lake (more challenging but fun "trail"). Trail notes: it's in good shape (for what it is) but the "big waterfall" was almost dry. Never saw the water level so low. Same for the lakes up top. They looked... thirsty.
Above Rachel the trail is a basic climb and it's obvious when you get to the Rampart Lake/Lila Lake split. For Alta Mtn, go right for a cool walk to the ridge and along the "cliff top" overlooking the lake for a bit. The next trail junction (formerly marked by a cairn) would be left and then steeply uphill to the Alta Ridge or right to the high beautiful valley filled with lakes and blueberry bushes. You can get to Alta either way, but this time I chose to go straight up and return in a loop via the other (less steep) trail. The ridge is basic--you come to a "false summit" past which if seems there is no going at first, but if you look down and to the left, there is clear trail the final half mile along the ridge. Only one sketchy descent of about 4 feet on a slab to your left. Ran into a handful of friendly folks up there, two guys coming down, and three women ascending as I went down. On the descent, I went about a 3/4 to one mile to a point on the ridge trail where a clear path descends to the left--this brings you down into the gorgeous valley, and when you hit the valley floor, a right turn brings you back to the main trail. A left goes to the lakes and Hibox beyond, and (one time) the summit of Alta by "the back way" scramble. So many things to do and see up here.
It was about 3:25 to the summit and 3:00 to descend to the car. A glorious, sunny but not too hot day. The only problem was the gray/brown layer of forest fire smoke (you can see it in the pics I did not post). Blue sky above, some haze below, and this table-top of smoke around 5-6,000 feet in the distance. Ripe blueberries were a treat. A few guys hunting, which made me wish I was wearing something brighter. I hope to go back in a week or so, because the Lila Lake valley is absolutely stunning with the reddish blueberry leaves showing through a dusting of snow.
stats:11.5 miles; 3,452 elev gained; 6:25 on trail (7 minutes stopped).
I love getting in a full day of fun in the mountains and getting home by 3 so I can squeeze some work in!
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