Aggressive yellow jackets in the parking lot at Esmerelda Basin and Lake Ingalls! We managed not to get stung but they were relentless.
This trip report is a 2 night backpacking trip up to Lake Ann with a day hike out to Van Epps Pass.
Started on a Tuesday with only 3 other cars in the parking lot. Headed up to Lake Ann via Esmerelda Basin trail. Didn't see a single person all day. Trail is dry and dusty as to be expected - still lots of water sources though. Stopped for lunch at the horse camp - seems like a great camping spot but the creek is all dry. Does anyone know if it runs in the spring?
We counted about 4 campsites at the lake - 2 at the lake and 2 more tucked back with great views of the valley below. No toilet but this was the first overnight that I didn't actually see any TP around- yay! Pika, American Dippers, Ravens, and Marmots could be heard all day. Spent the first night in total solitude.
Day 2 we dayhiked out to Van Epps Pass. I was not expecting much from this trail, just wanted to explore a bit past the lake. I was pleasantly surprised at how scenic this little hike was. The meadow just beyond Lake Ann is gorgeous with the bonus of marmots running around. The hike down to the pass was varied in vegetation with a very interesting rock cave section and views of the mountains. The trail dumps you out at the jeep road and then a short walk up the road leads to Van Epps Pass. Amazing views of Harding Mountain, Icicle Ridge, Jack Creek drainage, and Ingalls Peak. I scampered up the little knob above the jeep camp for more views. Nighttime back at camp was breezy and little cool. No mosquitoes. Was joined by one other party at the lake that night but we hardly saw them.
Day 3 the smoke had rolled in. We packed up camp and headed back to an uneventful hike out. Saw only three other people. A little bummed that the smoke obscured our views at the top of the saddle overlooking that lake but was glad we had them on the way in.
We were very glad to have hiking poles after we turned off for Lake Ann, since the trail is steep at times with a lot of loose gravel. We had temps in the high 60/low 70s with a breeze - I would not hike or backpack this in high temps in the middle of the day. Most of the difficult, steeper parts of the trail are exposed.
Overall a moderate backpacking trip for those who want something not too easy, not too hard. Plenty of scenery and not a lot of people.
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