Sunday, September 7, 2014

Twin Lakes - Kaiser Wilderness

Took another "Old Guys Hike" and went out with some buddies for an 8 mile round trip up near Kaiser Peak.  We carpooled up to the Potter's Pass trail head and gathered our gear and left the parking lot around 8:30am.

The first leg of our trip started at 8,380 feet elevation and gradually climbed 1.7 miles up to Potters Pass which is at 9,000 feet.  A beautiful view looking north or south.  To the north, we had views of Mount Ritter, Banner Peak, and the Minarets.  To the south, a view of Huntington Lake and China peak, as well as Red Mountain off in the distance.

 
Back on the trail, we headed down a medium descent into the Kasier Wilderness basin.  Along the way we enjoyed wild flowers, a few meadows, and even a few aspens with a hint of color starting.  After nearly a mile, we came upon Lower Twin Lake , which is at 8,664 feet.

 
After another quarter mile, we reached Upper Twin Lake, which offered great views with a dramatic background in the distance.
 
 


 
Feeling pretty good, we decided to add the George Lake loop to our trip.  That 1.25 miles and 500 feet elevation gain really put us to the test, but it was well worth it.  The total 4 mile trip included about 1,400 feet of up and down elevation change.
 
 
One of challenges was to carry my 4x5 Crown Graphic film camera and to try and catch a few good Black and White images.  Below are a few of these pictures.



 
Overall, it was about an 8 mile round trip.  Pretty doable for a day hike, and not bad for middle aged kids and anyone of decent health.  It would be fun to do this one again in early October, as there should be lot's of color and better skys for photography.