I usually only backpack in the snow, so this was a change for me. I left from Wild Basin in RMNP and went up to Thunder Lake. This is a really pretty hike and gets you about 2500′ of elevation in 6 miles.
Now admittedly maybe this is a popular spot, but the backcountry site was kind of.. weird? There were woodchips everywhere like mulch. It got all over your gear and clothes. But I had cool visitors, maybe 20 deer came through.
After setting up camp I went up towards Lake of Many Winds.
It was getting dark and I turned around before Lake of Many Winds… plus I was a bit more tired than I thought!
Next morning the walk out was great.
I might go back and try out Lion Lakes soon…