Glacier Basin — Sunday, Sep. 17, 2023

I was looking for a quick morning hike without many crowds.  An out and back along the Glacier Basin trail was perfect.

The day/climbers parking lot at the WR-CG was 80% full when I got there at 5am.  Both the front country/car campsites and the back country (Glacier Basin) sites were all full.  Other than those camping in both areas, I only saw 5 people all morning on trail.  All on my way back down to the car.

The base trail or the first 3.2 miles are as described in the WTA trail description. 

Once on the unmaintained/climbers trail, I was a little surprised how much the trail has deteriorated/changed since I was last on it in early June.  The trail that I am used to is narrow in spots with some exposure to the basin.  It looks like folks didn't want that exposure, hence created new trails around a few areas.  There is a 50 ft section that is steep and dry. I somewhat slid down on my heels while squatting. No real exposure or danger.  Just steep, hard, dry and difficult to get a footing while going down.

There was a small group of goats crossing the basin that was fun to watch.

With the exception of the Fryingpan Creek (Summerland) TH parking lot which was overflowing greatly, very few cars today at all the other TH's. Only two cars at the entrance gate at 9:15am.

With the extension down the climbers trail, my total mileage was 9 mi and 2,500ft elevation climb.