Did a 4 day, 3 night backpack through the Enchantments with friends who’d won the core zone lottery. Below is some beta for backpackers as we approach the cold season:
- Route: The terrain is rocky! Be prepared for scrambling on boulders, across stone slabs, and chossy rock in general. The weather held up for our trip, but Aasgard Pass is a steep chossy boulder field that could be hard in rain/ ice. Also, there is a quarter/half mile section between Lake Viviane and Snow Lakes where the trail is on exposed rock slabs, which could be slick in rain. You may want to consider bringing p-cord for partner belays for extra protection in adverse weather.
- Campsites: It’s COLD and windy in the core zone. We met many backpackers who reported being so cold they couldn’t sleep. There was frost on our tents in the mornings. The upper core (from Isolation to just before Inspiration Lake) is cold and barren and windy. There are more trees/ wind protection and lower elevation from Inspiration to Lake Viviane. Pro tip: I discovered a space blanket makes a light, cheap, and effective sleeping bag liner. I run cold (even though sea otters have legendarily warm fur) and was pretty cozy in sub-freezing temps with just a fur layer, space blanket, and 20 deg down sleeping bag.
- Other: Larches are just turning and fall colors are coming in. Blueberries are done for the season. ☹️
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