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| Hiking | 10.67 Miles |
3,044 AEG |
| | Hiking | 10.67 Miles | 9 Hrs 12 Mns | | 1.56 mph |
| 3,044 ft AEG | 2 Hrs 22 Mns Break | | | |
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| no partners | | We had an amazing hike up to amphitheater and surprise lakes! We got an early start and thus we were able to secure a parking spot at the Lupine Meadows Trailhead.
The trail starts off in the forest (including some swampy sections - definitely bring the bug spray!) before switchbacking up an open mountainside offering phenomenal views of the valley below, including Bradley and Taggart lakes. These miles were full of wildflowers right next to the trail! 
About half way up, you come across the now-unmaintained, unmarked trail to Delta lake. You can tell it's a trail still, but it is definitely in disrepair.
A few more switchbacks, and you are in the woods. Shortly thereafter, the snow starts! Yippee! The last mile was entirely snow covered. We put on our crampons and had no issue. After about a quarter mile, the trail was completely under deep snow, and we followed the footprint paths to the summit. Looking at our path taken vs the route, we pretty much cut all the switchbacks, but we just followed the snow path already there. It wasn't bad at all.
Both lakes were snowy and icy, but so beautiful! There were some people at the lakes, but not too many. At Amphitheater, we saw some rock climbers who were leaving, and then after some solitude, a couple of runners showed up. At surprise lake, we saw some people leaving to make their way over to Amphitheater. It was nice to escape some of the NPS crowds!
We returned the way we came, and saw a bunch more people coming up as we went down, but many turned around at the deeper snow.
On our way down we saw a black bear about 15 feet off the trail, doing his bear things. On the way up, we passed some moose. We also saw some marmots. 
This trail also connects with garnet Canyon, and we passed a few groups of skiers headed that way. Its neat to see people hauling ski and boot backpacks.
A fabulous trail with an easy grade and amazing views. I loved the lakes and the scenery at the top as well as along the way. The weather also cooperated. |
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Wildflowers Observation Substantial
So many wildflowers of all colors! A real treat! |
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