Arrived at Blanca lake trailhead at 9AM to a nearly full lot on Labor day. Note the website says the road is closed but it is now open all the way to the trailhead parking lot.
We primarily passed backpackers on the way up that had stayed at Virgin lake taking advantage of the holiday weekend. There are many wonderful campsites around Virgin lake and off the trail on the way to Blanca lake but there is absolutely no camping allowed at the lake itself. Note to self to come back for a stay at this beautiful spot.
The weather was foggy/misty/rainy which I enjoy as long as I'm prepared for it. We could not even see the far side of the lake.
Trail was muddy/slippery in a few spots so now that we are approaching shoulder season hiking, be prepared for any sort of weather and have some traction on those shoes/boots.
We ran across a lot of littering and I kicked myself for not bringing along a trash bag but please - anyone reading this - we don't want to see your poop bags, kleenex, underwear (yes someone left underwear) or food scraps. Take your trash out please.
Comments
blue_litmus on Blanca Lake
In Pic 3, was it easy enough to cross that log onto the rock? I am assuming this would be needed if I am looking to go around the west edge of the lake?
Posted by:
blue_litmus on Sep 08, 2023 09:44 AM
crossing creek
I would not cross on that log due to how wet/slippery it appears. You know your own comfort/risk levels.
Just be mindful you will need come back across as well and its a long trail back to hike out. Someone left their underwear here (we packed it up and brought it out) so I assume that person took a fall into the water here. Hope that helps.
Posted by:
patrickvdh on Sep 08, 2023 09:58 AM
blue_litmus on Blanca Lake
Thanks ! Did you need poles at all for this hike as such (ie was the mud bad?)
Posted by:
blue_litmus on Sep 08, 2023 11:19 AM