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| Hiking | 6.87 Miles |
1,580 AEG |
| | Hiking | 6.87 Miles | 2 Hrs 45 Mns | | 2.50 mph |
| 1,580 ft AEG | | 12 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | My wife and I arrived at Lockett Meadow just before 9:30am to a full parking lot and very little parking left near the inner basin trailhead and in/around Lockett Meadow. The temps were warm at just above 70º and close to +/- 50 people making their way up to see the colors. We expected the area to be be busy but nearly maxed out capacity on parking busy was not expected for a Wednesday.
Rather than following the hoard headed up 29 we started our hike on what I would call the north loop/side of the Inner Basin trail. Before reaching Waterline Road we saw two people booking it up the trail and five more people making their way down. Good decision for us for taking the north side of the trail. Upon reaching the junction of Waterline Road where we made a right following the road ~ one and one-half miles up before doubling back to a secluded area for a quick sit/break. After a spell, we continued back down Waterline to the proper inner basin trail and continued down the switchbacks. I would say in this area it's close to being split on what was in it's prime and what was still green or just beginning to change. The better show was the north side of the loop, in my opinion. My wife stopped counting at at over 100 people making their way up as we were headed down. Yep, it was time to go.
Overall the trip was kind of disappointing to me. Not because of the lack of colors or crowds but mostly because I felt I spoiled the experience by looking at others photosets. For future falls hikes this year and next I think I will avoid the sneak-peaks and just experience for myself. 
If you're looking to catch the colors I wouldn't wait, my guess is maybe a week or two left before it's mostly done. Lots of trees losing their leaves already. |
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Autumn Foliage Observation Substantial
Most of the aspens are fully changed and shedding, I would say over all 80% from what we saw above Lockett Meadow. There are spots in the switchbacks along Inner Basin Trail where the aspens are either just beginning or haven't changed yet. If the switchbacks are all you want to see, I estimate a 70/30 split of what's in it's prime and what's still green, respectively. |
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