The last time I was at Marmot Pass was in October of 2003, just after my 40th birthday. Now nine years later I’m feeling a little less spry than I used to. I spent the night at the trailhead and got on the trail at 0740 while it was still very cool out. The hike was pleasant as the trail gains elevation at a relatively constant rate; only a couple switchbacks and nothing terribly steep. I was hoping to make it to the Pass before breaking out my lunch, but about half way between Camp Mystery and the Pass I was wiped out. I took a pack off break, ate my lunch, and rehydrated for 15 minutes before pressing on. I made the Pass at 12:20, almost five hours from when I began. I’m gettin’ slow…
It was absolutely beautiful; the weather and the scenery made the trek well worthwhile. I saw nobody on the trail and I had the whole Pass to myself for half an hour. I had forgotten how stunning this piece of wilderness is. The last time I was here I climbed up on the Buckhorn Ridge for even more stunning views, but I was pretty beat today and admired the views from the Pass.
At the Pass I spent some time with the radio working repeaters and simplex. After I finished with the radio I heard a party of three coming back from somewhere, to their campsite just below the Pass. I started down at 1300. On the hike out I passed several parties on their way in. I reached the trailhead in about three hours, logging about 11½ miles roundtrip.
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