Abernathy Pass, North Lake — Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020

The Abernathy Pass - North Lake circuit is a long day hike (13.5 miles round trip with 3,600 feet of elevation gain), but full of rewards that make it all worth it.  The first 2.5 miles from the trailhead is well graded (10%) and goes through burned forest, but is in good shape.  At around mile 4 you reach the junction with the Abernathy Pass trail, which takes you up a steeper grade (20%) for another mile to the 6,400 foot pass and excellent views of Gilbert, Silver Star, Gardner, and the Cedar Creek drainage to the north.  There are about a dozen trees down on this currently unmaintained trail, but they can all be navigated with a little work; log removal would help this trail greatly as it is otherwise in good condition.  We then headed back down the trail and up to North Lake for a refreshing dip before walking out.  Berries are particularly ripe around 5,500 feet, and the wildflowers by the lake are still going strong.  This hike is a gem!