The trail is not easily followed since it is entirely covered by snow. One need only follow the creek to stay in the general vicinity of the trail, however. This is not the best time to take this trip. The snow is generally easy to walk on with just boots, but there are several areas where the ground is just a large, wet boggy area.

Trail in fine condition. Some snow above Rachel Lake, but path still visible up to Rampart Lakes.

The Alpine Lakes - I spent two days hiking on this trail. The lower part (first three miles) had some very overgrown sections. The ascent to Rachel Lake is steep, rocky and rooty. Definitely a tough climb. Rachel Lake was beautiful and there were no bugs when I arrived around noon. I took a quick (60 second) swim in the rather chilly water. After lunch I went up to Rampart Ridge (another steep, rocky climb) and found the mosquitos waiting for me. I hiked over to the lookout over Lila Lake -- flowers are everywhere! The trail is in good shape although there hasn't been rain for a while. Mosquitos were still nasty although the wind helped to keep them away. From there I went back about 1/2 mile to the Alta Mountain side trail, and began the climb. The trail is very steep but not too difficult. It follows a ridge up to the summit. Lots of wild flowers everywhere. By the way, that first peak you see when you start on the ridge is NOT the summit! My tears of joy turned to tears of despair when I saw that I was only halfway to the top. But, I finally reached the top (after dumping my 40 pound pack in favor of a summit pack, about halfway up) and the views were great. Okay, from there I went back down and camped at Lila Lake. I had some trouble finding the trail down to the lake basin -- it starts on the right. The mosquitos were BAD down there! I saw several species, including bloodsuckerus nastius, bloodsuckerus viciousus, and bloodsuckers sinisteria. Once they found out where you were, there was no escaping. They also like to hang out by your bag because they KNOW you'll be coming back. I was too exhausted to cook so I just lay in my tent and watched the the mozzies fly around. It was pretty windy in the evening. The mosquitos went away around 10pm and the wind died down a little bit later. Excellent view of the stars that night. The next morning the mozzies were back and they'd told their friends! By they way, I didn't have any repellent. I packed up as quickly as possible and got the hell out of there, back down to Rachel lake looking for some relief. Nope, the mozzies were there too. So, down, down, down to the lower part of the Rachel Lake trail, where there were no mosquitos. I suspect the temperature was more of an influence than location, as it definitely got hot thay day. I had lunch on a nice flat rock next to the river, then hiked back to the car, drove home, and had a bath. I passed many many people on my way out (a Saturday). I'd have to say at least 40 hikers. Most of the early ones were carrying overnight gear and most of the later ones had dogs (of 7 or 8 canines, none were leashed, and only one barked at me. I told the owner she should have the dog on a leash and she said ""I have it right here"". Yeah, lots of good it does in your hand, lady.) So, the verdict is -- Rachel Lake/Lila Lake/Alta Mountain is a great destination! But it has some very challenging sections and gets VERY crowded on the weekends. There'll be a full report (with photos) soon at http://www.bigadventures.com/hiking. Happy trails!

This trail is in very good condition and there are only a few spots where the brush covers the trail. There are a few areas near the top where people have strayed. Please stay on the trail!! Check the weather before going as there is a lot of open area on the hike and sun exposure could be a problem. There is a lot of water on the way--pump is first!! Because of the sun, use SPF-25 or better and put is on before you leave home. Do not wait until you think you need it. It will be too late. The bugs on the way up were few and far between, but at the lake areas break out the bug juice. Plenty of fish in Rachel lake. Total time up 3 hrs (with time for ID of wildflowers and discovery). Total time down 2.25 hrs. Great hike!!-Advise weekday hike for fewer people. Remember, pack it in pack it out. Take an extra bag to bring back what others left behind. See you on the trail.

There was a little snow around the lake. The lake itself was snow free. Few bugs. Trail was clear,some mud. Falls below the lake were running strong and were great. Rampart lakes were 90% snow free. Still alot of snow fields, but plenty of cleared areas for camping or lunch. No bugs. Trail to ridge line was good. Trail on ridge top mostly snow covered. If good weather continues it will melt out soon.