June Hike to Snowy Stella

With loads of snow in the mountains this year, the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive opened almost a month late. I didn't hesitate to put on my hiking boots (and gators!) when I heard that it was open at the summit trail-head. The kids were in Art Camp and I had a couple of hours to hurry up to Stella Lake. Most of the trail was snow-packed. The signs were buried. So exciting!
This first picture was taken at Mather Overlook.

I've never hiked that trail so slow before haha. I burned much more calories post-holing through wet, deep snow.  In the valley it was 92 degrees. At 10,000 ft it was 62. It was super windy in Baker (red flag warning) but up here wasn't as bad. There was an occasional gust of pressure.

It was the middle of the week so there was not much foot traffic. I didn't pass another soul. 
But, I heard voices of people hiking up to the peak of Wheeler. Or attempting too.

Check this out, June 20th ~ winter wonderland  :)

Stella Lake: 

The clouds moved swiftly across the peaks. A dark blue sky would flash periodically. The wind blowing across the icy water of the lake. It was much more gusty in the open.

I returned in time to pick up the kids, refreshed and recharged!