The trail to Emerald Lake
Beyond the Aspen Grove valley the trail moves through a series of rounded high alpine valleys. Some are referred to as "cirques" and some as "holes". I'm climbing without a map, and I can't remember which is which.
Spring comes late up here. Snow frequently lingers until early August, and I have been snowed on while hiking here in mid-September. When the snow finally does melt these meadows explode in a stunning display of wildflowers. But we're a bit late to see them. The dry summer and the cold nights have brought autumn, and most of the colors are evergreen and muted gold.