We arrived at 10:15 am on a Monday to parking lot barely half full. Nice to not worry about reserving a timed-entry slot since we were there mid-week. Clear skies. Temperatures in the 40's. The visitor center, snack bar, and main bathrooms are closed for the season, leaving just two toilets for everyone. After 15 minutes of standing in line, I finally took my turn and was ready to hike.
We took the trail from the left side of the parking lot (facing the mountain) and headed down to Sunrise Camp, then up. Spotted one marmot along the way who paid no attention to us.
We reached Burroughs 1 in about an hour or so. Stopped for a quick snack break then headed over to Burroughs 2. The stone bench was occupied, so we took our second snack break sitting on the rocks before starting the long decent down to the Glacier Basin trail junction, and the long slog up to Burroughs 3. The crowds thin significantly after B#2, but still several people made the full trek, including one musician nestled in the rocks.
We stayed a long time on B#3, enjoying the amazing glacier views and watching the fire smoke obliterate peaks in the distance as it moved through. Luckily it was only mildly smokey for us. Paused a while to enjoy the sweet sounds of the guitar before heading back.
We returned via the Sourdough Trail. Not as scenic. Rocky but not too dusty due to the recent rain. We passed many people lightly dressed, heading to Fremont lookout for the sunset. Two guys were running with nothing more than cell phones. I guess that's a big thing now.
The alpenglow was glowing on Antler Peak as we neared the parking lot. Passed a bushy fox looking for dinner in the meadow. Again, he paid no attention to us. Of the few cars that remained, one group had set up lawn chairs near their car to enjoy the sunset views of the mountain. Maybe not has scenic as from Fremont, but they had plenty of solitude and looked like they were having a great time.
I've done this hike many times over the years and it never disappoints.
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