Esmeralda Basin

Trip

Day Hike - Esmeralda Basin & Lake Ann

Hike to lovely Lake Ann in hopes of seeing golden larches.

  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 9.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,392 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 6,500 ft
  • Pace: 2.0-2.5 mph

We will plan to meet at the Esmeralda Basin trailhead at 8:00 am, geared up and ready to hike by 8:15 am. This can be a busy trailhead since it is also the starting point for Lake Ingalls, so we want to get an early start. The leaders plan to camp in the area the night before. Please allow yourself enough time to get to the trailhead. The last ten miles of the drive is a dirt road and may be rough this time of year.

Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required for drivers.

This should be a beautiful hike with autumn colors. We hope the timing will be right to catch the larches turning. We will hike at a moderate but steady pace (2.0-2.5 mph) and allow time to snap some photos. Please be ready to tackle the  steep and rocky sections of the trail and navigate a few stream crossings. Hiking poles may be helpful. Since it is the fall hiking season, be prepared for changes in the weather. Pack warm clothes and rain gear. We will stop for a leisurely lunch at the lake before climbing back out of the lake basin and returning to the trailhead. Although we will be hiking at a steady pace, no one will be left behind.

Here's the link to the WTA description of the hike: https://www.wta.org/hikes/lake-ann-1

 

Route/Place

Esmeralda Basin



  • Green Trails Alpine Lakes East (Stuart Range) No. 208SX

    Green Trails Mt Stuart No. 209

    USGS Mount Stuart
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials

  1. Navigation
  2. Sun protection
  3. Insulation (extra clothing). Rain gear.
  4. Illumination
  5. First aid supplies
  6. Fire
  7. Repair kit and tools, including knife
  8. Nutrition (extra food)
  9. Hydration (extra water)
  10. Emergency shelter
  11. (Optional) Hiking poles
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