Isabelle Glacier Hike

On Saturday Dan and I drove to Brainard Lake for a little hike. We parked at the Long Lake Trailhead and hiked up past Long and Isabelle Lakes. The Isabelle Glacier Trail continued for miles up into a very rocky and snowy bowl.

It was surprising how far we were able to follow the trail. It took us to the base of a good-sized couloir that seemed to gain the ridge. Though the sun was beginning to set behind the peaks, we began up the snow slope with our ice axes in hand.

About half way up, Dan suggested a practice with a few steps down the steep snow. Good thinking! It was scary and I'm glad we didn't go all the way up.

Steeper than it looks!

We turned back and made it to the car before it was completely dark. About 10 miles and 7.5 hours overall. A great day!