Looking 3,000 feet down the valley from which we came, as seen from the high point south-southeast of the big lake
From the same spot looking to the big lake
Unnamed 13,040' sunset
Willoughby Mountain sunset
Myself at work shooting the following scene, courtesy of Tad
North Snowmass and the moon
Tents aglow for the second night in the basin, which is lit by moonlight
Unnamed 13,488'
Unnamed 13,431' and Capitol Peak
Unnamed 13,431'
Unnamed 13,488', unnamed 13,431', and Capitol Peak
Unnamed 13,431' and Capitol Peak
Unnamed 13,431'
Unnamed 13,488'
North Snowmass
Capitol Peak (14,130')
A 180-degree view, used with permission, courtesy of Tad Bowman
Capitol Peak
Unnamed 13,431'
After the sunrise shoot, we head back to camp to start packing down. The sky was mostly clear when we left the lake. If these sweet clouds would've been present then, there's no way we would've left the shore.
One final look to Capitol from camp before the hike out
One final look to unnamed 13,431`
A look south to the hill where the 360-degree-view shot was taken the previous afternoon, along with others
9:25 AM — Myself all packed up and ready to head out a couple minutes prior to departure
Okay, one more last look back. Pretty amazing place. It's really difficult to take the eyes off such a grand scene.
Over the rocks we go
Got strong ankles? We essentially head straight for the right end of the green hill where we'd pick up the trail. We had come up further to the left off-frame, but this is the optimal route. More on that . . .
A look back up. We stayed to the left of the saddle coming down.
We pick up the green tundra, which makes for quicker walking, which is why we should have come up this way. It will be pretty distinct area on your way up.
9:58 AM — Stage one complete, and now back down to the north fork of Bear Creek looking back up the green section. Much easier than solid rock to navigate. The following picture shows the turning point. It's quick walking from here all the way down to the main waterfall.
Taken at the same spot as the last picture looking the other way (northeast).
If coming up, you'll want to head up the green hill to the left at this point.
Immediately down the trail looking back. Turn left and ascend once you're across from the
mini waterfall on the frame's right edge.
Back on the trail, which is very distinct at this point
Another look back up the trail (left-center)
Going down, down, down. Heckert Pass is above center.
10:12 AM — Finishing stage two, and coming up on our lunch area we had on the way up. From here, the trail heads down to the left down the bowling ball hill. Looking up this way from that spot was pictured on the way up.
Going down the hill, where the next checkpoint is crossing the north fork of Bear Creek near its south fork confluence
More downhill
10:46 AM — Exiting the bowling ball hill, rocky ridge section, this cairn marks your entry point when going up, which I failed to photograph initially. It will be fairly easy to follow, and even if the cairn wasn't there, this is a pretty obvious trail re-entry after you cross the north fork. In fact, I don't think I saw the cairn until coming up right to it originally. Regardless, it confirms you're on the right track.
This talus section is the north fork of Bear Creek crossing. The stream actually flows underneath the rock, which you can hear flowing. You'll easily pick up the trail on the other side where it follows the stream bank to the right until the right-center of the frame.
Looking back up the north fork. The crossing is right before the talus section widens in the center.
Once again, I sure never would've expected trail conditions like these prior to the trip. It's an interstate compared to what we thought it was going to be.
Looking back up the trail near the afore and after-mentioned great campsite in the trees. The log you see sticking up is a trail marker someone has put up. In addition, the trail is well-cairned in this talus stretch.
A similar picture as on the way up, the campsite in question lies at the edge of the trees. You follow the cairned trail skirting the green until you reach it.
Looking back up the talus section where Snowmass Mountain (14,092', left of the pointy North Snowmass) comes back into view.
Almost off the rocks
Well, now almost
11:16 AM — The campsite in the trees
Another view of the fire ring. I'm not sure why I didn't take any shots of the interior portion of the campsite. I guess they aren't necessary. It's a place three tents, and probably more could sit.
We stop for the better part of an hour to shoot this and filter water out of this Bear Creek cascade at our first night's campsite
12:13 PM — heading back down the trail. Next checkpoint is the waterfall.