Forum Index > Trip Reports > Stuart and Horseshoe Lakes -- 8-11-08
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Foist
Sultan of Sweat



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Foist
Sultan of Sweat
PostThu Aug 14, 2008 10:37 pm 
Victory! We went to Stuart Lake. That wasn't the challenge. Trail to Stuart Lake was in great shape. But I was intent on making it up to Horseshoe Lake after a feeble, failed attempt last year. The "trail" is found by continuing on the main trail, through or above the campsites by Stuart Lake, until you start hitting the downed trees. There are LOTS of downed trees. If you have trouble climbing over or crawling under downed trees, forget about going to Horseshoe Lake. But kudos to my Mom, who made it up there despite short legs and a gimpy knee, although not without some grumbling (and my Dad as well, with a shin splint!). Much thanks to Slide Alder Slayer, whose report was very helpful in finding the route. One bit of confusion is after crossing a small stream after about 1/3 of a mile. This is NOT the Horseshoe outlet stream. You have to keep going straight, even if that appears impossible because of one of the more massive blowdowns on the route. After that, in addition to more trees, the trail meanders into the bog on the left twice. Soon after the second bog, you find the famous horseshoe nailed into the tree, at which point the trail heads straight uphill alongside the Horseshoe outlet stream, of course with many more downed trees. The top is gorgeous though. We regretted not being able to spend more time up there, as we had only day packs and the hour was late. Mosquitos were horrendous at Horseshoe but tolerable before that. It was actually quite cloudy by the time we got up to Horseshoe so the photos are not fantastic. But it was an enchanting place. Much like the Enchantments, actually. But harder to get to, believe it or not. So beware.

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Bedivere
Why Do Witches Burn?



Joined: 25 Jul 2008
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Bedivere
Why Do Witches Burn?
PostThu Aug 14, 2008 10:42 pm 
Sweet! Love Horseshoe lake. I want to get back up there again someday, but your report of all the blowdowns is discouraging. When I was up there, probably 5 or 6 years ago there weren't any big areas of blowdowns that I can recall and following the trail was fairly straightforward though strenuous and steep. Nice pics and kudos to your folks for toughing it out! Struggling through blowdowns is no fun at all, to belabor the obvious, but it appears you were well rewarded for your efforts.

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Foist
Sultan of Sweat



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Foist
Sultan of Sweat
PostThu Aug 14, 2008 10:48 pm 
Oh yeah, the "trail" is in major danger of extinction. Some would say that's a good thing. Not me, although of course I see the upside. My parents had a lot more photos. My camera battery died. I'll add those if I get a chance.

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Movenhike
\m/..mmmmetal\m/



Joined: 16 Apr 2007
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Movenhike
\m/..mmmmetal\m/
PostThu Aug 14, 2008 10:50 pm 
Wish I could get MY folks up to a place like that. Nice work.

"Make it your Friend" -John Bull
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Slide Alder Slayer
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Slide Alder Slayer
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PostFri Aug 15, 2008 10:46 am 
Horseshoe Lake sign post
Horseshoe Lake sign post
Yes the horseshoe, glad to see you made it!

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Ingunn
Hiking Viking



Joined: 01 Feb 2008
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Ingunn
Hiking Viking
PostFri Aug 15, 2008 1:03 pm 
Thanks for posting this, we were thinking of going here in September after the Enchantments...although I don't know if my thighs will be in shape to negotiate those blowdowns the day after my first ascent/descent of Aasgard Pass! biggrin.gif Great photos and report!

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Foist
Sultan of Sweat



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Foist
Sultan of Sweat
PostFri Aug 15, 2008 7:25 pm 
Slide Alder Slayer wrote:
Horseshoe Lake sign post
Horseshoe Lake sign post
Yes the horseshoe, glad to see you made it!
Actually, it's no longer merely a carving. Someone has nailed an actual horseshoe into the tree in that spot. It's rusty, but still more noticeable I think than just the carving.

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Yana
Hater



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Yana
Hater
PostSun Aug 17, 2008 11:06 pm 
Thanks for the TR, that's a wonderful place, isn't it? I would love to see it when it's not covered in snow. When dicey, gabrielx, and I were in there last year, we lost the path after Stuart Lake very quickly, wandered around (through) the then frozen bogs and just completely by accident re-found the trail right where the Horseshoe marks the way.

PLAY SAFE! SKI ONLY IN CLOCKWISE DIRECTION! LET'S ALL HAVE FUN TOGETHER!
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Dayhike Mike
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Dayhike Mike
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PostMon Aug 18, 2008 11:14 pm 
I like the old way up too. Head all the way up to the end of the valley, and trend left up the talus field on your right. There's a path up the left side of the trees -- right next to the cliff / headwall. The rest of the climb is just gradual up talus and meadowy fields. I usually head right a little too early in order to visit a hanging garden we used to call "Eden". Lush banks of moss several feet thick line the narrow channels of water as they make their way across the shelf. From there, it's an easy scramble up to the banks of Horseshoe.

"There is only one basic human right, the right to do as you damn well please. And with it comes the only basic human duty, the duty to take the consequences." -P.J. O'Rourke "Ignorance is natural. Stupidity takes commitment." -Solomon Short
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fettster
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fettster
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PostSun Feb 22, 2009 9:46 am 
Is the Stuart Lake to Horseshoe Lake trail no longer maintained? Would you expect the blow down to just get worse year after year?

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Foist
Sultan of Sweat



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Foist
Sultan of Sweat
PostSun Feb 22, 2009 9:55 am 
Yes and yes.

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snowman_312
old man of the mount



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snowman_312
old man of the mount
PostSun Feb 22, 2009 10:00 am 
was the trail ever maintained by the FS since the 70's?

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