CHS 2 Hike - Enchantments Traverse

If you are potentially interested in this hike, please contact the leaders in August to make sure you are ok with the logistics (see below):  [Aug 7 update: there may be limited group accommodation possibilities - to be communicated after the sign-up.]

We will have an "alpine start" from the Colchuck/Stuart lake TH, meaning possibly at 3-4am (TBD) to make sure 1) we have parking, 2) we have more time to enjoy the magnificent Core, 3) we descend and finish before sunset.   This means we will be hiking with headlamps up to Colchuck lake,  filter water, cross the boulder field, and then ascend Aasgard around sunrise.  

Note: leaders will NOT be arranging accommodations for the group this year, though we will facilitate car shuttling. 

We recommend looking into accommodations in Leavenworth for a couple nights, as you want to get enough rest the day before, and you will likely be too tired to drive afterwards.  We will likely arrange a group dinner afterwards.  

As you all know, this is a very strenuous hike.   Aasgard pass is likely one of the steepest climbs you will encounter in the whole CHS: 2000' over 0.75 mile.  Some may also find the ~7 mile descent challenging, as it's not one of those smooth and gentle downhills that you can stroll mindlessly while daydreaming about the burgers and milk shakes.  However, in between, you will experience some of the best sceneries the PNW has to offer.

Please assess your own conditioning before signing up for this hike.  For example, have you done any recent 4000'+ hikes?  Will you be able to commit to more training hikes in Aug than the CHS requisite two?   Are your legs/knees able to handle incessant downhills  for hours on end at a reasonable pace?  Have you any injuries that are likely to flare up on such a long and demanding hike?  Please continue to train and assess your conditioning from now till the hike and communicate with the leaders.

That said, we do know that many of you are ready for the challenge.  This is your graduation hike and we are here to support you.  In fact, we'd like all participants to have the mindset that this trip is about supporting one another so we can all enjoy and complete this  legendary hike safely as a group. 

Please note: If your aim is to test your speed on how fast you can complete the route, you should probably do so in a private trip and not join this hike. While we will take turns leading and hike in smaller groups occasionally, overall we will be hiking in and out together as a group.  

More details to be communicated over email after sign-up, including lodging options, transportations, conditioning..etc.