The Enchantments Day 4
Snow Lakes to Snow Lakes Trailhead
Our last evening in the Enchantments, sleeping at Snow Lakes, the energy was calm, the breeze was still, and the air was cool.
The morning ritual was bittersweet, knowing that in a few hours we would be leaving the Enchantments behind. We enjoyed breakfast, packed up our site, and were soon on our way out.
In just a few minutes we had come all the way around Snow Lakes and prepared to cross the overflowing dam. Looking back, we could see McClellan Peak peaking out above its crystal clear reflection on the lake.
By this point, the trail was more manageable. Only a few boulder sections between Snow Lakes and Nada Lake which amounted to no more than half an hour of careful steps. Close views of Nada Lake meant all of the challenging terrain was behind us. The only focus now was taking one step after the other all the way back to the car, reapplying sunscreen, drinking water, appreciating the views, and taking it all in one last time.
Wildflowers were peaking in the lower mid-lower sections of Snow Lakes. After a few more hours, and after 4,000ft of elevation loss, we saw the shimmering light and glare of hope — the parking lot was within viewing distance!
We crossed the Snow Creek bridge next to the Snow Lakes trailhead, and went up the last hill of our trip. The last 30ft of elevation on the last little hill to our cars felt more like a cruel joke, but we persevered and survived the challenge. We had been enchanted. This trip came to a close, but will remain in our memories until next time.
Distance: 8.1 miles
Duration: 4 hours 41 minutes
Elevation Gain — Loss: ▲ 270 ft — 4,291 ft ▼