I arrived at the trailhead around 7:30 and the parking lot was about half full. No problems driving up the forest service road, it was one of the nicest I've seen this season. The outhouse, on the other hand, was in need of servicing and out of toilet paper. It was a perfect day for a fall hike! My inReach weather forecast said it was about 64 degrees out, but it felt a lot warmer than that - if it weren't for the fall colors I would have mistaken it for a summer day. I didn't smell any smoke up in the mountains, but did begin to notice it when I got back home.
I started out on the trail up to Rachel Lake, the first few miles were easy. About 2/3rds of the way up the climb really starts to get fun, lots of easily-crossed streams in the beginning and many large boulders to step over as you gain elevation. As others have mentioned, it can be easy to lose sight of the trail but you'll know pretty quickly whether you're on the right track or not.
Rachel Lake had some pretty fall colors, but I didn't stay long as my focus for the day was Lila Lake. I took a quick break and continued up towards Alta Mountain. I actually found it hard to follow the trail towards after the first "false summit" of Alta, and turned around once it started to get rocky. If it's fall colors you're after, I would recommend making it past the first meadow up Alta, but no need to go further unless you plan to summit.
Finally, I made my way down to Lila Lake. WOW, what an incredible place! The fall colors are popping, and I'd say are at their peak. I was jealous of the backpackers who got to camp in this beautiful place, but many of them said it was a miserable climb up with their heavy packs - I could certainly see where they're coming from there.
Overall, I clocked 12 miles in just under 7 hours, which was slower than my usual hiking pace. Take that information as you will, but I'd say the trail was definitely more technical near the top than the others I've done this season.
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