We are free.

This is the infamous "Ice Lakes," and even amateurs get stellar photos from here. That's just how crazy beautiful it is. You hike from roughly 8000 ft. to 13000 feet in about 3 miles. It is STRAIGHT UP.

And just when you think you've made it to the top, the mountain keeps going up. When you finally bend around the 13000 foot corner, and your legs are about to fail you, you make it. Late August and there is still snow, and what was 75 degrees at the bottom of the mountain becomes 60. Glassy, opaque blue water smiles for your victory. Hands down, my favorite hike of all time.

Wildflowers like beacons, line the trail all the way to the top.