I must be crazy to sit in four hours of traffic to squeeze in a run after work, but it was absolutely worth it! Arrived at Paradise around 6:30 and had no problem finding parking. The main Jackson visitor center was closed by that time of the evening, but the restrooms by the guide house were open.
The trail starts out paved but steep. If you’re seeking some hill training this is the place for you! I definitely got a bit winded from all the climbing and being at 6500 feet up.
As for the wildlife, we didn’t spot any bears and saw one goat near the top. We were serenaded by marmots whistling along the whole trail, there were so many of them! An interesting mix of wildflowers, lots of paintbrush, spirea, and pasqueflowers, but the lupine wasn’t in bloom.
We finished right around sundown, and the rangers were just beginning to set up their telescopes for their evening stargazing program. I’m so glad they’re offering that this year. I got to participate a few years ago, and can say that visiting the parks after dark is an incredible experience!
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