10.4 miles to North Fork Clear Creek, 10,370’
We awoke super eager for today’s hike since we would be ascending Lake Ann Pass and into some of the most highly regarded sections of the trail. While still in the forest we heard a series of noises as at least six elk came crashing down the mountain and across the trail about 50 yards behind us. Elk are some of the largest creatures in the woods and seem to care little about keeping quiet. Minutes later we talked to a hiker who had just heard a bear off trail huffing and puffing and tearing into a log for insects. We also kept seeing the elusive Pika – a mouse like animal that lives in the rocks at high elevations. The only way to spot them is seeing movement on the rocks. Once the Pike sits still it is very difficult to spot and take a picture. We tried several times and finally Ellen was able to capture one.
The climb to Lake Ann Pass was very picturesque and so it took a while … take ten steps, take a photo, another ten steps, another photo. At the top we finally had a view of both sides, including Lake Ann below us to the north. We also met those two older gentlemen again from a couple days ago and learned that they had been hiking and mountaineering together for 55 years! The four of us later enjoyed lunch at Lake Ann and then a brief cold swim.
In the afternoon we descended into the valley for what seemed like forever and travelled another 5.3 miles to where we camped along the North Fork of Clear Creek.
Journeys with Jeff and Ellen 