I took advantage of a day off of work and the kids back in school to visit the Enchantments. I got to the Stuart Lake trailhead early to maximize the available daylight. The trip to Colchuck Lake was uneventful. Colchuck Lake was crowded with campers.
Not sure, but I think it's Stuart.
Dragontail
Aasgard Pass
Colchuck Lake
Going up Aasgard was a grunt. The trail was well marked, so there were no navigation problems.
Welcoming Committee
Dragontail
At the pass, I took a break to eat a bit and take in the sights. Then I headed South to the ridge, and Dragontail.
Dragontail from Aasgard.
Witch's Tower
The snow was steep, and very firm despite the warm day. I stayed to the right where it wasn't as steep. Several flocks of small birds were flying around landing on the snow field, or the rocks for a few minutes here and there. Once above the snow field, it was a walk to the top of Dragontail.
People testing the thickness of the ice on Isolation Lake.
Rainier in the distance
Colchuck Lake from Dragontail
Daniel in the distance
Stuart
Enchantments from Dragontail
Stuart and Colchuck
After taking some pictures, I headed down the ridge toward Witch's Tower. I ended up looking down on the tower from the ridge, above a sketchy snow slope. The snow was very firm, and was a bit steeper than I expected. I managed to make it down ok, but I would recommend bringing crampons for this slope.
Witch's Tower from above.
Sketchy snow slope
Witch’s Tower turned out to be easier than the intimidating appearance would suggest.
Dragontail from Witch's Tower
Enchantment Peak and Cannon Mountain.
Little Annapurna
Enchantments from Witch's Tower
After Witch's Tower, I continued down the ridge to Little Annapurna.
McClellan Peak from Little A.
Enchantments from Little A.
Prusik Peak and the Temple.
After a lengthy rest, I decided for one more push, across the valley to Enchantment Peak. I didn't have time to go to Prusik Pass and do the approach from the East, so I figured I would just cross the valley and approach from the south. I would have to find my way around or between some large rocks on the top of the southern ridge. The rocks proved more challenging than I expected, and after several dead ends, I ran out of time.
Enchantment Peak. So close, yet so far.
McClellan Peak from ridge south of Enchantment Peak.
Little Aanapurna
With the sun heading for the horizon, it was time to head home. I got down from Aasgard in one piece. Darkness fell shortly before I got to the intersection with the Stuart Lake trail. I guess that's the price you pay for blowing your turn around time. I remembered preparing my headlamp, but somehow it didn't get into my pack. Luckily I had a chemical light stick for emergencies. I found out that chemical light sticks make very poor emergency light sources. A camera set to view photos mode works much better. Somehow I managed to stumble my way to the trailhead without breaking anything or falling in the creek. Then I jumped in the car and headed home.
The Enchantments always make for a stunning hike.
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