Rampart Ridge Backdoor, Alta Mountain, Lake Lillian & Rampart Ridge - Rampart Lakes — Tuesday, Jul. 23, 2024

This trail took way longer for me than I thought it would (8h moving time; 9 h total -- 9.8 miles, 3600 ft elevation). Route-finding was definitely an issue. No snow to speak of — although it’s possible that I lost the trail at one point under snow. I lost the trail a few times — had to keep checking All Trails and trust it — if it says you are off even by a few feet, you are NOT on the trail and making your life harder for sure (especially on the descent to Rampart Lakes). Bugs were all up in my face (especially if I stopped moving for a second) but spray kept the bites to a minimum. Trail is straight up, rocky, rooty, loose in many places. Reminds me of other “unofficial” routes like Mailbox Old Trail and the Kamikaze route up Mount Teneriffe. But it was well worth it — so many views, changing scenery— this is not a boring trail. Just give yourself plenty of time and enjoy the ride! If I had it to do again I would take the small detour to the left before you descend to Rampart Lakes to get up on the ridge for a better view (and photo) and leave time to swim. Oh, also — you will hit MULTIPLE false summits before you reach the summit of Alta. And while the ascent is not technical, it does get ledgy and a bit nerve-wracking at points. But you can do it! Press on. Also — use a vehicle with high clearance to access the trail head! There was water running across the road and actively carving out new fun contours to navigate.