The Loch is a short hike to a breathtaking alpine lake which I did on the morning of February 2, 2023. The park had about 12” of new snow a few days previously. I started with microspikes. Watch the video to see me struggling up the last section before the lake. I post-holed several times to my waist, and I still had not hit bottom. I used one leg to light myself out. I had to dig in with my microspikes on some stretches to get a grip.
I met a couple of snowshoers who were on their way down. We chatted about the lake and trail. They asked what was after The Loch. I said the next destination was Sky Pond which is 2.5 miles farther. I was not sure of the trail conditions. They said that they were heading back to their car.
The lake was terrific under a blue sky. There was some wind but nothing like the previous week when I did Mills Lake. I felt good, but I was a little tired. I turned around after getting to The Loch where I planned to go. The next day I tested positive for Covid, my first time. That event put me on my back for a few days.
I met two backcountry skiers on the way down. I thanked them for packing the snow for me. One was from Evergreen, and the other was from Boulder. They said that the snow had not been this good for years. The skiers had it down, being experienced and fit. They were playing it by ear, unsure how far they were going. We parted ways, and I started running down.
I came upon another hiker who was enjoying the climb to the lake. He yielded to me since he wanted a rest. I was post-holing more on the descent because I would impact the snow as I ran. After a few minutes, I put on my snowshoes and ran until I got to the TH.
I would like to do Sky Pond. One of the skiers told me that early spring is better since there is less snow and warmer in this area. The lakes are still frozen, there are not many people, and it is way before mud season.