The trail to Lila Lake has a little bit of everything: forests, streams, berry meadows, rocks, roots, snow (at least this time of year!), flat, steep, lakes, I mean really name it and you'll come across it. Once the trail starts climbing it does so without delay or respite. This time of year the trail resembles a creek in many spots, you're climbing up rock with water coming down. Poles are useful, as are waterproof boots.
You start seeing snow just before reaching Rachel Lake, but it's mostly off trail and doesn't provide any trouble. The lake it scenic, but I didn't stay long before continuing on up to the right. Snow is more serious here, covering the trail and making it hard to see where to go, but it doesn't last long. Just know that you need to take a left and continue up past the end of the lake.
There is quite a bit of snow at the pass where you decide to go left to Rampart Lakes or right to Lila Lake. I had never been to Lila before, but did have a map and used it and some landmarks to make sure I was going in the right direction. Melting snow doesn't hold boot prints well and it appears most people have been stopping at Rachel Lake. I encountered one person past Rachel and her prints petered out well before Lila Lake.
Lila Lake (or really lakes, there's water everywhere!) is melting out and gorgeous. Waterfalls coming down, snowy banks, great views of Hibox Mountain. I didn't encounter any boot prints around the lakes, but did my best to leave some. It's hard to stay dry here, water is running under the snow and in spots you'll post hole or break through a snow bridge.
I was planning on tagging Alta Peak on the way back, but some threatening clouds built up as I was having lunch and I decided to cut it short. A good call as lots of thunder started shortly after I packed up. Just light rain, but I was happy to get lower once the lightning started.
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