11 miles north over Tincup Pass elevation 12,200’
Today was a great day and exactly what we had hoped to experience when we planned this trip!
We got on trail at 8 am and first hiked over the tunnel pass. Once on top we had a great view of the valley below, Tunnel Lake, and the next climb over Tincup Pass. We were above tree level and the landscape was awesome.
A few miles later we were back in the trees and descending to the valley below. We were shocked to find the most beautifully constructed trail, soft and smooth with switchbacks and a nice gentle grade. Once in the valley we had lunch, filled our water bottles and got ready for the 4 mile climb to Tincup Pass.
Ascending toward the next pass, the trail was good and we made great time. We took one last break in the shade at the tree line before the final push to the pass … at least what we thought was the pass. Had we looked closer at the map we would have known that the actual pass was further ahead. However, the view from this false summit was stunning. It overlooked a large basin and we could see the trail traversing across and up the wall of the cirque to the ridge on the other side. However, immediately after dropping into the basin we encountered a rubble field about 1/3 mile long. The footing was tricky.
Once on top of the pass we could see a creek below. We had hoped to camp nearby but there was nothing even close to flat. So, we filled all of our water containers and continued north. In about a half mile we did find a spot and it turned out to be our little slice in paradise. It was a great day. All alone, way above tree line, we could see in all directions and had a huge sky above.
Once in the tent, we again stared at the maps some more and planned the rest of the week. We were a little surprised how difficult it had been to find a suitable place to camp the past two days. “Dry camping” a distance away from water is not what one hopes for at the end of a long day on trail but it is often necessary. Looking ahead, it appeared that water and flat ground might be more plentiful in the coming days.
Journeys with Jeff and Ellen 