20.42 miles of hiking • 3750' elevation gain •
We had other hikes in mind, but, they had some large elevation gains, and we didn't want to do them in above 90 degree weather. So, we decided to day hike the PCT and on up the spur to Snowy Lakes. We had been to Cutthroat Pass once before when there was snow on the trail. It was great to see it without snow and with wildflowers blooming, especially heather. Beyond Cutthroat Pass is some really spectacular, above timberline ridge hiking. So cool! It is hard to believe that this area is not protected as wilderness or something else. The snow patch that apparently stays around for a while every year was there just before dropping down to Granite Pass, but, it was fairly small and easy to get around. We only saw one other group beyond Cutthroat Pass, so we were surprised to see a number of people at the lakes. There were also a lot of mosquitoes and they were very hungry. A really great hike!
