Jim's home | Hiking home | This hike's home

Deer Park, Grand Pass Loop Hike - Day 2

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3


Our camp on Cameron creek. A passing hiker told us that the camp was about 1/4 mile past the second creek crossing. This was only about 100 yards past the crossing, and we went (what we thought) was well more than 1/4 mile past the crossing trying to find the real camp. It was late, so we turned around and camped here. It was fine. There were benches, a fire pit and enough flat places for our tents, but it wasn't Lower Cameron, the real site.


Max hoists his pack on the morning of the second day. Max and Michael wanted a workout on this trip, so they carried much more than their share of things.


The real Lower Cameron campsite, where we didn't camp.


Me, heading gradually up Cameron creek towards the intersection with the trail to Grand Pass.


Futzing with gear on a break along Cameron creek.


Looking up towards the ridge near Grand Pass, noting the elevation gain to come.


Looking south.


The intersection with the Cameron creek trail and the trail to Grand Pass.


The boys heading up towards Grand Pass at the beginning of the ascent.


Evan went a little insane from the incredible quantity of flies, horse flies and mosquitoes. Here he is wrapped in protective gear. He got more used to them over time.


The trail ascending to Grand Pass.


Looking back down during the 2,400 foot ascent.


Pretty flowers.


Pretty flowers.


Pretty flowers.


Pretty flowers.


About 2/3 of the way up to Grand Pass, the trail enters a south facing bowl. Max and Michael waited by a little snow field for us to catch up.


Pretty flowers.


The boys nearing Grand Pass.


Looking back down at the trail leading up to Grand Pass.


Finally at Grand Pass, elevation 6,450 feet.


Wandering around the pass.


Evan at the pass.


Heading down from Grand Pass into Grand Valley by a glacial pond.


The boys were keen to glissade down a snow field. Max and Michael are at the bottom here, with Evan sliding down on his butt.


After the glissade.


The boys traversing the base of the snowfield.


Heading down into Grand Valley.


A snow field at the southern upper end of Grand Valley.


Evan on a snow field.


Pretty flowers on the way down.


Pretty flowers.


Looking back up to the pass.


Pretty flowers.


A marmot hole. We saw a zillion marmot holes, but no marmots. Paul thought he heard one whislte once.


Moose lake.


Moose Lake.


Lush greenery on the way to Grand Lake.


A blurry, low light shot of us camped at Grand Lake. Reservations are required for camping in Grand Valley. There are seven campsites at Grand Lake.


Paul trying out his new thriftstore Eddie Bauer "Sac pants". They were good insect protection. Note the massive pot of chicken pesto pasta in front of him. We didn't bring freeze dried food.


Bug protection for the feet, a sleeping bag stuff sack.


Cigars and Grand Marnier after dinner. Towel for bug protection.


Max and Michael return from dishwashing duty.


A family of deer came to our camp in the morning. They weren't shy.


Evan with the buck.


Again the buck.


Two fawns in the background.

Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3