Here are some pics from a recent trip to Young Lakes/Mt Conness areas, 6/25-6/27. The hike up to Conness was my first attempt at "x-country" hiking, though there was really a trail for most of the way. It was a bit swampy crossing the eastern most tributary of Conness creek, and easier on the return hike when we crossed further downstream. The toughest section was a scramble (still class 2) after passing the marshy pond area at 10,500'. From there it was a relatively steady climb, though it was made a bit more difficult due to the scree...little vegetation above 11,500'. My wife accompanied me to the base of the summit block, but preferred to stay back and hang out with "Junior," pictured below, while I went up the last 200 or so feet. There was a pleasantly vertiginous arête leading to the summit...not necessarily dangerous, but with significant exposure on both sides. View from the top is pretty spectacular. As for the Young Lakes, the pictures speak for themselves. One note though...there's an amazing waterfall between the middle and upper lakes, which makes for an invigoratingly cold shower. Catch it in the mid-late afternoon, and you'll be warmed by the sun's rays.
Lower Young Lake with Ragged Peak
Middle Young Lake
Middle Young Lake and Mt Conness at sunset
Ridge east of middle lake lit by moonlight
Post moonset
Conness summit block
Junior
North Peak and Shepherd Crest
Conness glacier
Exposure leading up to summit block
Edited 8 time(s). Last edit at 07/03/2012 10:17PM by redpakotasea.
