I was going to take advantage of the weather and looked forward to some ladies time! We were starting the new year right! We did this steep hike (gaining 3,077 ft in elevation) in pretty good time I have to say:
Making the ascent up Johnson Lake, I realized this was the first time my boots had stepped in measurable snow this winter! Kathleen was braving this hike with tennis shoes. Luckily she had great socks ;)
We discovered fresh mountain lion tracks on the trail....
We paralleled the big cat's paws up the steep trail. The snow was deeper with the climb. What a brutal hamstring workout! I paused to look at the paws often lol.
Golden Ghost:
We were enjoying the winter wonderland. What a beautiful day. It was 43 degrees. The sun was shining and snow was melting off the needles of the conifers.
Fresh, delicate crystals.....
Hiking this trail sure makes you feel out of shape. At least we still had cool tracks to keep us distracted from the pain..... lol
We turned a corner and the colors seemed to pop out in the sunshine. The manzanita shrub was such a vibrant green......
I had to take a picture of this cool tree with roots erected and rocks nestled inside. I was using any excuse to stop and take a breather!
There was one section on the trail where we had to crawl because of the smooth, thick ice under the snow. That was a crazy adventure. We could have turned around but we pressed on. Luckily we got passed it. Minor hick-up on our eager timing. I couldn't help but think about how fun it would be to slide back down on the ice with my snowsuit on the way back :)
We came upon the the Johnson historic mining cabins. I had forgotten how many structures there were on this trail. What great looking cabins; recently restored I believe.
After the cabins, the trail became even more steep! Uuuuugggh. Now I realize why I waited so many years to do this trail again. :P
I was relieved and happy to see the cirque and lake!
It was a little more windy here so it was colder. The lake wasn't visible due to inches of snow but it was still a beautiful sight. What a view. Peace and solitude.
Kathleen posing on the rock how we all felt haha
Johnson Lake, 11,000 ft ~ in January! Pretty amazing!
Going back would be so much easier. We decided to make our adventure into a loop and visit Dead Lake. Why not?
By the way ~ returning down, we did slide on the icy section. It was so much faster and funner than crawling haha! We got to the second lake before we knew it. I know going down a steep trail has it's annoyances but for now it felt like a pleasant break.
Dead Lake:
Afternoon alpine glow; sun was setting lower in the sky. It felt amazing on our skin....
Pausing to look at this really cool tree, specifically the bark.....
