Idaho Exposure

Hiking, Climbing, Backpacking, Snowshoeing, Backcountry Skiing. Photos by Thomas Oetzell; idahoexposure.com

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DSCF1068.JPG
 DSCF1068.JPG1 viewsThe first of three or four switchbacks leading to the top to the Devil's Staircase.
DSCF1069.JPG
 DSCF1069.JPG1 viewsA closer look at the 'keyhole' in the pinnacle.
DSCF1070.JPG
 DSCF1070.JPG1 viewsThe Born Lakes SW of the Devil's Staircase. The horizon is surprisingly clear of smoke. I've read the more northerly of the two chutes is best for a descent, while the chute just S (bottom foreground) is better ascended. I cannot confirm this as I have only descended the more northerly of the two chutes. That chute seems to go on and on, the lower third being the most tedious due to the loose scree. I try to stay close to the solid rock on either side of the chute.
DSCF1071.JPG
 DSCF1071.JPG1 viewsThe descent took just under an hour. Looking back at what I think is the worst (most tedious) section; the lower third. Glad to be on firm terrain!
DSCF1073.JPG
 DSCF1073.JPG1 viewsThe view WSW past the uppermost of the Born Lakes. Ants Basin is hidden on frame right (N), just below Blackman Peak.
DSCF1074.JPG
 DSCF1074.JPG1 viewsThe second highest of the Born Lakes. I've always caught trout here. It looks very inviting, however, it is supposed to get much cooler tonight. After five days, I'm ready to sleep in my comfortable bed.
DSCF1076.JPG
 DSCF1076.JPG1 viewsI sensed this signpost was just ahead. I always keep a lookout for it. There are numerous paths around these lakes. Don't want to end up going a mile or so out of my way down Warm Springs Creek.
DSCF1077.JPG
 DSCF1077.JPG1 viewsNot a lens flare; it is a dust devil high on the slope to the S, before the initial climb leading to Ants Basin. Interesting that the topographic map I have been relying on (National Geographic TOPO!) does not even show the well-established trail between the Born Lakes and Ants Basin. I haven't looked at it the entire trip, but I have used it extensively documenting these photographs.
DSCF1078.JPG
 DSCF1078.JPG1 viewsFinishing the climb to Ants Basin I'm rewarded with a nice view down Warm Springs Creek. There is light on the limestone ridge with the familiar orange band I navigated toward the first day to the trip descending Strawberry Basin to Warm Springs Creek. I have not traveled the section of trail that unfolds below. It would be another way to do the loop, avoiding some to the problems encountered descending the lowest part of Strawberry Basin.
DSCF1079.JPG
 DSCF1079.JPG1 viewsFrom Ants Basin, looking E above the Born Lakes (hidden in the trees) to the pinnacle immediately S of the Devil's Staricase. Skies have cleared.
DSCF1083.JPG
 DSCF1083.JPG1 viewsClimbing out of Ants Basin, looking ENE across the upper reaches of the Warm Springs Creek drainage below the Born Lakes. The pinnacle marking the Devil's Staricase is prominent on the skyline.
DSCF1084.JPG
 DSCF1084.JPG1 viewsWCP-8 (10557') above the Warm Springs Creek drainage. The constantly changing light and shadow drifting across the limestone face provide photo opps.
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