Most viewed - "Epic White Cloud Backpacking Loop" revisited, August 27, 2023
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DSCF0790.JPG7 viewsThe steep climb to the ridge above Ants Basin is in the shade by the time I reach it. In the center of the skyline is the pinnacle just south of Devil's Staircase. The trail to Born Lakes is on the right (south) of the photo.
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DSCF0795.JPG7 viewsI put the 35 mm prime lens back on for the hike to the trailhead. The light is fading, and this is the fastest (widest aperture) lens I have. There are still a few tarns with water high in Ants Basin. The color of the light is changing.
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DSCF0644.JPG6 viewsPleasant hiking offers glimpses of Warm Springs Creek.
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DSCF0647.JPG6 viewsHalf an hour later, I'm nearing the entrance to Iron Basin. I'm watching very carefully, as last year, I went too far downstream to the west, missing the entrance entirely. In late August, this is the only place water can be seen coming from the east entering Warm Springs Creek.
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DSCF0651.JPG6 viewsThe trail stays on the east side of the drainage, and reaches a plateau.
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DSCF0653.JPG6 viewsI finally camp at 9200' after failing to find the stream I was looking for. I should have crossed that stream at about 8700'. I flows east southeast, in line with the top of Watson Peak and a small lake above Iron Basin to the east southeast, roughly half way through the north/south climb into the basin proper. I dropped my pack and checked for water at the high tarn below the east face of Watson, but it was dry.
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DSCF0654.JPG6 viewsThe view up Iron Basin, to the east of where I camped. I recall seeing water last year in the narrow section below, just before the trail turns east into Iron Basin. I didn't see any this year. The small meadow I camped in was very damp. Everything out in the open got wet, despite it being clear. Fortunately, the sun arrived fairly early, and I was able to get everything dried out in short order. Didn't even set up the tent.
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DSCF0681.JPG6 viewsBighorn Basin is just around the corner to the east (right), as is Ocalkens Lake. I need water, but really don't want to descend all the way down to that lake. It was too far to get to last night, and I would have missed the goats!
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DSCF0682.JPG6 viewsLooking back west, to the entrance of Iron Basin. The next photo forms a panorama from north to south.
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DSCF0689.JPG6 viewsFollowing the drainage just east of Bighorn Basin. This is not the route I usually take, but it is has welcome intermittent shade, and is not much longer. I'm happy to have water!
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DSCF0692.JPG6 viewsThe path opens up into Bighorn Basin at about 9600', nearing the beginning of the steep climb to the saddle. The weather is looking good.
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DSCF0693.JPG6 viewsThe route follows a slight ridge further north, which is quite a bit more stable than the talus directly below the saddle. The outcrop I'm headed for is the darker rock, three quarters of the way to the top.
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