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Cirque De Towers

User Name: kscott.j

Date: Fri 18 Nov 2011

Hiking Information

  • Distance: 9 miles
  • Elvatation Change: n.a.
  • Difficulty: hard
  • Time: 8 + hrs

Trail Head Information

There is a small National Forest campground at the trail head. An 8.7-mile (14 km) hike beginning at 9,000 feet (2,743 m) above sea level which is relatively level the first 7 miles (11.3 km) becomes very steep the last mile (1.6 km) and ascends to Jackass Pass at 10,800 feet (3,290 m), crossing the continental divide. From there one must descend a steep half mile (800 m) to Lonesome Lake, which is one of four lakes in the cirque.

Here the goal for today's hike. Do not let the distance fool you this is a difficult hike to complete with a big heavy backpack. Many backpackers spend the night a Big Sandy Lake to reduce the distance covered. The pass up to Jackass Pass is steep and rocky.

The first 6-7 miles is easy to Big Sandy Lake are easy.

Big Sandy Lake from up on Jack Ass pass. It is relatively flat. Many backpackers spend the night here.

Here a view from Jackass pass looking back to where to Big Sandy Lake

Here a view from atop Jack Ass Pass looking down onto Lonesome Lake where we will spend the night. You can even see a small water fall in the bottom right corner. WOW

This is a view from the top of Jackass pass.

The towers surrounding Lonesome Lake. This was taken by my tent!

Sunset on Lonesome lake surrounded by the Towers

Just a random stream that feed the lake.

A lama. There is an outfitter that rents Lamas to carry your stuff.

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