Lake Ann, Esmeralda Basin (Esmerelda) — Wednesday, Jun. 11, 2025

Penny's first hike up to our favorite, Lake Ann, was today! Wow, I cannot believe how much less snow there is than there was at this time a year ago! The lake is melted out. I was shocked. The trail down to the lake is almost melted out. There are some deep piles of snow on the way up to the ridge above Lake Ann, but nothing even remotely similar to last June. I didn't have to find the trail. 

This is the best time for hiking this trail if you hike with dogs because there is plenty of water, so you don't have to carry extra for them. They were very happy because it was hot. 

We arrived a bit late to the TH, around 9. There were maybe a handful of cars in the lot. We saw a couple just starting off to Long's Pass in the parking lot and then no one else all day. There were no pens or pencils in the registration box.

I got one or two mosquito bites but considering how long we stayed at the lake it wasn't a big deal. Daisy had to swim in every section, of course. Plenty more flowers than this time last year as well. 

I have a huge headache but the girls had a lot of fun and are snoring so my job here is done. Happy hiking!