Started the hike at 7:45 AM. (Keep in mind because I am a quick walker). Follow Mystic Lake trail until the final drainage before the end of the lake, Huckleberry Creek. There is not a great trail visible from the Mystic Trail so head left after crossing the bridge. From there you might be able to spot a resemblance of a trail and follow that. This trail has not been maintained in probably 30 years so watch for deadfall and be mindful pf the route as the trail is easy to loose. Once you reach Huckleberry Lake the trail becomes very convoluted and it's unclear where it goes so I would suggest just looking for the clearest route along the side of the lake. The trail picks back up at a cluster of rocks on the far end of the lake on the right bank. The climb from here is brutal, with steep grades all the way up to Princess lake, then you cross a rock bridge on Princess lake, and find the trail going up to the Snowball lakes. Another brutal climb over deadfall, up a cliff, and steep grade, the trail should spit out right onto Snowball lakes. After that, you can spot a small gap between the plateau wall on the right, and the stony hill on the left, and you traverse the boulder field on the right side of the lake. After you wrap around that, you come out at another lake, with a land crossing. It is a bit of a hard crossing but nothing too serious. Then you follow a rocky path around another stony hill to the Stormy lakes. From there it's a quick climb up to the vantage point of Avalanche lake and Granite peak.
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It’s a hard backpacking trip, but the views, campsites, fun with friends, nature left us wanting more. We saw no bears, but did see some bear scat- so do bring your bear spray.
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Stunning views of major peaks, classic alpine lakes -- worth the grunt up "Heartbreak Hill", the headwall up from the Zimmer Creek. One moonlit night by Lower Aero, a Mountain Goat came right up to our tent door to check us out. Another time, trout were leaping out of the stream between Upper and Lower.TAKE CARE on the rock band down to Lower: we had to hike out in the dark to get EMT's up to a guy who compound fractured his leg. He was downclimbing the rock band to the lake, foolishly facing outwards; his pack caught on the rock, sent him tumbling. He leg caught in the bergschrund near the base while his body kept going down the snowfield. It was bloody ugly. We splinted his leg w/ fly rod cases and sleeping pads. He was LifeFlighted next morning to Billings.
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Beautiful views, but a steep hike. Snow covered large portions of alpine sections, but the ridge was clear!
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Gorgeous hike. Lack on snow in late November was good. Still ice in shaded parts but no yaktrax needed. Absolutely worth the howling wind this time of year.
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Gorgeous hike. Lack on snow in late November was good. Still ice in shaded parts but no yaktrax needed. Absolutely worth the howling wind this time of year.
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Nice trail, little short for my tastes. Good road to trail head. Views were worth it up top. Probably a 5 star if I’d taken the time to explore around the lakes
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Midday, middle of May, beautiful landscape, roaring Rock Creek.. spring flowers. Keep an eye out for bears! Party of two- each of us wearing bear bells- no trouble.
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Great long hike three passes going over great veiws few people. Hike from Mary lake to crow is brutal as it is bushwhacking and boulder hoping no trail only experienced people should try this total Miles was 28.5 as my phone didn’t pick up couple spots. Fishing fun at all lakes.
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Great hike to a beautiful lake, but it’s 3300 feet of elevation gain over five miles. Next time I’ll camp there for a night or two.
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