Sunrise Rim Trail, Shadow Lake - Sunrise Camp Loop, Burroughs Mountain & Glacier Basin Loop — Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025

Epic is an understatement. This hike (10.25 miles/3000 ft.) on a day such as this was one jaw-dropping view after another. The temps stayed in the 40's all day. Great views in the morning, then the clouds. The blue sky was roiled by swiftly moving clouds; just added to the views. Sunrise Road is closed and our contacts with humans was almost zero until on the Glacier Basin Trail on our return to the WRCG. We think CCW is the way to go. After the initial part of the Wonderland, great views abound until back on the GBT.

Georg and I started up the Wonderland from the WRCG a little before 8 and arrived back a little before 4. After intersecting with the Sunrise Rim Trail and on our way to the Sunrise Camp we spotted a fox in the meadows just before the camp. Georg had just remarked that he had seen a fox at Sunrise on our hike to Dege same time last year.

At the camp we met the only hikers we would see for hours. A couple from North Carolina doing the Northern Loop. They were impressed to say the least. Looking up at the First Burroughs from the camp it looks like quite a hike-only because it is. As I arrived at the top, I was greeted by the trail to Second Burroughs. Georg told me to stop whining and in no time it would be all down hill.

I just focused on the Second Burroughs sans people. It was all worth it. We spent close to an hour just soaking in the views and taking advantage of the rock chair. If only it reclined. You can see the lookout, Skyscraper, Tamanos, Mt. Ruth, Dege, a great close up frontal of the Mountain and all its topography. Looking down on all the trails from Frozen Lake, not a person in sight. We did this exact hike 3 years ago and along with Dege and the lookout, we save these for the week from when the Sunrise Rd. closes and the WRCG stays open for a week or so. Great alone type hikes to really some of the best views of the Mountain and its surrounding terrain. They are even better with no people. Our hike from the Second Burroughs to the GBT is rocky, semi-steep with loose sand. At my age I tread very carefully. My rock-hopping days are over. Almost all the way down you are treated to a great view of the Mountain and great fall colors. The views never get old!

Looks like we hiked one of the last nice days. Snow and rain forecast for the next week or so. Maybe Grand Park from 73 if there is a break and no snow. Happy hiking!