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| Backpack | 8.54 Miles |
1,942 AEG |
| | Backpack | 8.54 Miles | | | |
| 1,942 ft AEG | | 17 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | This hike wasn't initially on my radar until I saw a report from @FOTG about a month ago, which prompted me to explore it.
The trailhead is accessible via a well-maintained dirt road off Highway 75, which is approximately 10 miles from the highway. The road conditions were good, and most sedans should have no difficulty reaching the trailhead. The drive offers pleasant scenery, though it does pass through a section of burn scar from a wildfire several years ago.
I began my hike just after 2 PM at the Fourth of July Creek Trailhead, where I found a nearly full parking lot. I hesitated to take the last available spot due to the tight fit but was glad I did, as four more cars arrived shortly after.
My plan was to camp near Lake 9555, part of the Born Lakes in Antz Basin. With the relatively short hike, I thought it would be a good opportunity to acclimate to the altitude before tackling the Alice-Toxaway Loop in the Sawtooth Wilderness the next day.
The trail starts with a steady ascent, gaining nearly 700 feet in elevation before splitting—northwest toward Antz Basin or southeast to Fourth of July Lake and Washington Lake.
The climb from the junction is steep in places, gaining approximately 600 feet over 1.5 miles to the saddle between Blackman and Patterson Peaks. The saddle sits just under 10,000 feet, offering spectacular views to the northeast. The trail then descends into Antz Basin through eight steep and somewhat slippery switchbacks, though the trail is well-maintained.
After the switchbacks, the trail flattens out before descending again and eventually turning east. A final 250-foot climb leads to Lake 9555, where I found a comfortable campsite for the night.
The next morning, I started my hike out just after 9 AM. The initial 700-foot climb was challenging but worth the effort for the overnight stay in the basin near the Boorn Lakes.
I was fortunate to have a break in the smoke and excellent weather, with overnight temperatures in the low 50s and a high of 88 degrees when I returned to my car at 1 PM.
I plan to return to this area next year to explore a larger loop. The Devil's Staircase, while intimidating, seems manageable. I checked it out after setting up camp, and although the route appears loose, it isn’t as steep as I had read.
This is an area worth revisiting. |
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Wildflowers Observation Isolated
I was expecting more flowers but it was also very dry and that season had likely peaked a few weeks prior. |
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