R04/R03 TR: Bear Lakes and more (5/27-6/6) 2021

[giantbrookie]

Beautiful photos and trip. Really makes we wish I was out there. It sure doesn't look like late May-early June at that altitude.

[cgundersen]

Hi John,
We were thinking about your trip last year up the Morgan pass road.....still looks like a major slog to me! Anyway, I'm confident you'll get your licks in, but beware the bugs. The next few weeks should be thick (well, bugs and whatever flowers are going to emerge). Cheers,Cameron

[PBJames]

Thanks for the great TR! Heading up to that area in a week, and your post sealed the deal on choosing where to head. I take it from the pics, especially since a few weeks has passed, that alpine gear (axe, crampons) wouldn't be necessary for the bear lakes area passes like feather, bearoyce, or granite bear?

[cgundersen]

Hi PB,
The snow was disappearing rapidly and being replaced by early hints of bugs, so be prepared for skeeters. The only ridge I'd hedge on is Granite bear, because it tends to hold snow later than most. But, in my experience, there's generally been a gap between the rock and permanent snow on the north margin as you head in from granite park. Otherwise, you're good to go, and if the weather cooperates like it did for us, it should be glorious! Cameron

[PBJames]

Yeah, I am ready for heavy skeeters, a worthwhile tradeoff to get in before the wildfire smoke as last year was a total loss for me. At this point I am thinking of doing Feather/Dancing Bear/Italy passes.

[cgundersen]

Hi PB, Sounds like a great trip; if you're lucky, the breezes will kick up and keep the bugs down! Good luck, Cameron