Thanks to the recommendation of another hiker on WTA, I completed the Grand Valley loop starting with Badger Valley, overnighting at Moose Lake and ending with Lillian Ridge. I highly recommend doing the loop this way as Badger Valley is longer and ends on a killer slate rock switchback that is difficult to grip at times. Trails were in fantastic condition with only a couple of fallen trees to traverse. I had no issues at all with bugs but my brother did get bitten a couple of times. Weather was great on Saturday with lots of panoramic views. Sunday was very wet with biting hail at times. I want to compliment Gretchen, a Park Ranger, who was stationed at Moose Lake for her knowledge and great spirit. She was very helpful with any questions we had about flora and fauna and even helped a couple of hikers on the way out who were a little distressed. Lots of wildflowers and I must have come across two dozen deer. Lots of marmots and birds as well. Amazing trip and hope to stay a couple more days next time.

Great backpacking trip with fly fishing, too. Caught a bunch of small brookies but had fun. The bugs were bad and we were very glad to have our head nets - but still retreated to the tent a few times. Deer had no fear and even tried to steal my trekking poles. Beautiful scenery, wild flowers, and wildlife. Like the site says, the trip out is definitely a lot more difficult than the trip in!!

The Badger Valley trail was a little overgrown and had a few trees to climb over. But all in all, it was beautiful! We saw a bear (from a decent distance away!) and many marmots. Some of the marmots may have gotten a little carried away with their tunneling, as I fell through the trail where one had dug a shallow tunnel right beneath the trail. The rest of the trails from Grand Lake to Gladys Lake were clear and in great condition, as were the trails leading back to Obstruction point from Moose Lake. There were a few snowfields to cross but they were manageable. We encountered one mountaum goat as we neared Obstruction Point but he was not agressive and we were able to pass safely.

Started our hike around 10 am Friday morning from obstruction point, although the sun was shinning the wind made it brutally cold. We made our way across the ridge, and then descended through the switchbacks towards grand valley. The whole time we where able to see great views of the valley, and the outlining peaks. Once we got to the bottom we followed the trail to Moose lake, and set up camp. We spent the rest of the day enjoying the wildlife, and fishing. Though fish where biting all day, none of them where worth keeping. The next morning we broke camp and made a day trip to Grand Lake, the fishing was awesome, but the mosquitos where very annoying. Around 6pm we finally made are way back up the steep switchbacks, through the dense fog, and back to our vehicle. This was one of the best hikes I've been on this year..! Lots of wildlife, views, and a great trail that ranged from flat ridge lines to trying hill climbs.