Ingalls lake
This enjoyable hike is the starting point of many destinations, from the Esmereldas, to Ingalls Lake and Ingalls Peaks, and to Mt. Stuart. Each season offers something quite different, and the valley above and beyond: warm and dry in the summer, but holding onto winter snows well into late spring.
 A great day begins with this view of Mt. Stuart. James, Stefan, Chris, Bill (and myself) after hiking along the Ingalls Lake trail, gaining 2300 feet in 3 miles. |
 Early morning sunlight filters through the larches, which are just beginning to change from green to golden. |
 Even in late September, the air is warm and the sky is blue. |
 Some larches are already glowing golden in the morning light. This is one of my favorite times in this area. |
 With every turn in the path, comes a new and breathtaking view of the mountains and the valley. |
 Stefan pauses at the top of a small waterfall, whose waters feed Ingalls Creek 1000 feet below. |
 Getting close to Ingalls Lake, Chris gets friendly with the ever-present cairns that populate the trail. |
 At our Ingalls Lake destination. James, Stefan, Chris Bill and me. |
 Macho men (well, sort of!) Or maybe we just need a few more trips to the gym! |
 One of many views of Mt. Stuart's West Ridge and south face we'll have as we continue around Ingalls Lake. |
 Colors and shapes work to complement the beauty of views that surround us. |
 Another view . . . |
 Stefan in repose, Bill in review and James in reflection -- Ingalls Peak is in the background. |
 On our way around Ingalls Lake, we find many places to stop and have a swim (if the weather and water were just a tad warmer!) |
 The birthday boys: during the hike, I found out that today James' birthday, and also is mine! |
 Stefan, Bill and Chris -- Great day, great friends. |
 Clear waters that, on a calm day, would reflect Mt. Stuart as a mirror. |
 The West Ridge of Mt. Stuart is a dramatic backdrop to the colorful display of the changing seasons and coming of autumn. |
 More views from the west end of the lake. |
 On the east side fo the lake, gazing across to Ingalls Peak . . . |
 . . . Ingalls Peaks (South and North), from the east side of Ingalls Lake. |
 On our way out, we found ourselves a bit off-route and above the trail. From here we had an interesting class 4 scramble to the trail. |
 Chris helps Bill past the first section. We will continue down and in front of the rocks with the cracks. |
 Almost down. Bill continues along the curmbly and loose rock and the rest of us wait our turn. |
 Stefan holds on then does a nice rock glissade. |