Counterclockwise loop from Thorp Creek→Little Joe Lk→Red Mtn trail 1330→No Name Ridge→Kachess Ridge→Thorp Lookout→Thorp Creek for 10 miles, 2900’ gain. Wildflowers and views on this loop. Scouted a portion of it about 10 days before and different wildflowers are in bloom, now. Probably, there will be a procession of flowers as long as the ground moisture lasts. Some of the wildflowers (with names) are included in the linked photo album. 🌺
According to our group, this loop is more strenuous than either the mileage or elevation gain indicates. Perhaps it’s because (1) majority of the elevation gain happens in three separate sections totaling ~2.5 miles; (2) there are 20+ blowdowns on the Little Joe Lake trail and Red Mountain trail; (3) much of the trail surfaces on this loop are rocky, sloped to the side and/or loose gravel on a sloped surface and (4) overgrown/brushy for most of the mileage. About ½ mile west of Little Joe Lake (on Red Mtn trail #1330) is the worst of the blowdowns in which tree trunk and debris lay on the length of the trail (see picture). Other than this one, with respect to blowdowns, Red Mtn trail is in much better shape than Little Joe Lk trail. At the west end of Red Mtn trail in a tree-free pass, there’s a nice lunch stop with views to the north of Mt Daniel, Mt Hinman and Bears Breast.
Views from the Lookout include peaks in the Alpine Lakes wilderness, the Enchantments and more. The saturated areas adjacent to the streams currently host multitudes of butterflies which are “puddling” (slurping up moisture, salt & nutrients) – see video. Lots of butterflies in the air along the Thorp Creek trail, too. As good as the butterfly house at the Zoo 🦋
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