Bottom line: There are ways to avoid an eight-mile road hike between the Snow Lakes and Stuart Lake trailheads after a long day on the trail.
The absolute best option is to have a friend or family member drop you off in the wee hours and pick you up that night. Here are some other options.
Leavenworth Shuttle & Taxi LLC operates regular runs between trailheads in the morning. Phone (509) 548-7433. Book online. They pick you up at the Snow Lakes trailhead and drop you at the Stuart Lake trailhead. As of this writing, they have a 2-person minimum and a $30 per hiker fee.
Loop Connector Shuttle operates on a schedule between trailheads in the mornings on weekends. As of this writing the cost is $24 per hiker. They also run on weekdays if your party is 6 or more (or pay the equivalent). Book online. No phone.
Uber drivers will pick you up almost anywhere, including your hotel or a parking lot in town — and take you wherever, including the trailheads. Download the app, register, connect a payment method and go. It’s not the cheapest way, but it operates at your convenience.
Other options: Take two cars. Take an old mountain bike. Hitchhike.
Parking passes required at Snow Lakes trailhead and Stuart Lake/Colchuck Lake trailhead:
You need to display a Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent (not Discover Pass) to park a car at an Enchantments trailhead.
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Photo: Okanogan-Wenatchee NF.
Washington Trails 