We arrived at the Timber Gap trailhead around 9am. The first day of hiking was a relatively unrewarding slog, with lots of elevation gain and loss. The highlights of this section were some beautiful flowers during the descent to Cliff Creek, and the creek crossing itself. We decided to press ahead and have a late lunch (and refreshing swim) at Pinto Lake. This is the last campsite before the long, exposed climb up to Blackrock Pass. After a brief consultation, we decided it was too early to call it a day. I had an itch to try to reach Spring Lake which looked like a simple enough off-trail excursion. I had read a quote from Secor that said to contour at 10,000 ft. Sure enough, once we reached that altitude I spotted the beginning of a use trail.
- Overview of the cross-country route. My partner had to trust me that Spring Lake was up there.
Here I probably took Secor too literally, as I tried to stick around 10,000 which got us into a somewhat steep talus field. After an already taxing day with heavy packs, let's just say my partner wasn't in the most adventurous mood, but she didn't give up. We followed my gut feeling to head down to the creek, where the terrain looked gentler and flatter. From then it was more straightforward, with just the occasional thick bush to get past. At least one of us was always convinced we'd be at the lake "in a few minutes".
- A talus field we could have avoided.
Our efforts were rewarded when we reached secluded Spring Lake in time for a swim and dinner as the sun was setting.
- Spring Lake.
- A quick swim.
- Our camp for the night.
- Evening reflections.
- Morning at the lake.
The next morning, we made our way back to the trail with much more confidence, fresh legs, and good moods.
- Heading back up to the trail.
From the switchbacks to Black Rock Pass we had a good view of Spring Lake, and a preview of what awaited us in a couple days.
- Spring, Cyclamen, and Columbine Lake. Sawtooth and Glacier Pass to the right.
never been there.
