Cutthroat Lakes via Walt Bailey Trail

8 miles of hiking • 1500' elevation gain •

This was a beautiful day for a hike: mostly sunny skies, temps in the low 60s, and a weekday to boot. I headed off to the Cutthroat Lakes via the Walt Bailey Trail. The trail is in fairly good shape overall, though it is rocky and rooty in places, making for an ankle-twisting obstacle course (think a roomful of rugrats on Christmas morning). The trek proved most rewarding almost from the start: a pair of Downy Woodpeckers (think Woody Woodpecker without the sarcasm) alighted in neighboring trees and displayed their profiles in full color. Later, in the avalanche chute just before pushing upwards to the lakes, a Pica made his presence known, scolding me for disturbing his afternoon nap (he would repeat this on the return trip). Following the cairns through the rock fields and then, back on a sometimes muddy and slick trail, the first of the Cutthroats came into view and the beauty of the area was hinted at. Exploring the lakes, one cannot but thank God for His beautiful gift. The area was resplendent in fall colors, the lakes a mirror to the sky and the surrounding peaks, and the views were endless. This is as close to paradise as I have encountered and the fact that I had the area all to myself just added to the splendor and mystery. After a couple of hours I descended and returned to the ravages of civilization, but not before encountering some ptarmigan and grouse along the way (oh, and yes, one very annoyed nap-deprived Pica). What a wonderful day.