Hike to Square Top Lakes

We hiked to Square Top lakes in the Guanella pass area. It was about a 6 mile RT and took us up to 12,200. Overall, it seems to be getting a bit easier. At least we can breathe!

Take a look at Guanella Pass on Google Earth. If you look close enough you can see the entire trail as it meanders from the parking lot to the lakes.

Once again, the entire trail was above tree line and passed by tons of flowers. Rather than post a ton of the same flowers that have been posted in the past, I selected only one "new" plant to post: Gentian.

Heading up to those big bumps right of center. This is very near the start of the trail, so you can see how open it is.


Purple Gentian  - ready to bloom


Blooming





About 1/2 way




another creek -- another garden of flowers


Getting pretty cold and windy -- mountain conditions at over 12,000'



Heading towards upper Square Top Lake


More Gentians -- this time pale with purple tips - just before blooming


Same but in bloom -- reminds me of a nest of baby robins with mouths open.



Had to sneak this one in --- Primrose



At our Destination


Looking back

Kevin taking photos

Happy girl at just over 12,200


Kevin on the way down ... almost at the end ...


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