Author Archives: CoolTrails

Through-hiking the Enchantments in one day will challenge and reward you, but it’s not for everyone.

If you’re looking for an outstanding summer hiking experience, the best time to go is when the snow has melted off the trails but before the weather turns sour in fall.

If you’re day hiking through the Enchantments, here’s how to be prepared for the bugs.

Here are some online resources for researching smoke and air quality levels in the Enchantments.

I know someone who did the whole hike barefooted. But I recommend shoes or boots

Upper Snow Lake and Nada Lake will be the warmest lakes, relatively. The south shore of Upper Snow is mostly beach. The south end of Nada is smooth granite.

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. Here are the details.

Hikers traverse the Enchantment Lakes with everything from full backpacks to running vests holding only water and an InReach. Here’s the common wisdom on what to pack.

The goats in the Enchantments are famous. Or infamous? You’ll probably come home from your Enchantments through hike with

Bears are rarely reported by hikers in the Enchantment Lakes. The most common mammal sightings are goats

The beginning and ending 4 miles of the trail are not particularly exciting or spectacular. Or difficult. Lots of parties intend to start hiking at 4:00 am by headlamp.

Everyone hikes at their own pace. To finish this 18 mile trail by daylight requires at least very brisk walking with minimal stops. 

Yes and no. You’ve probably heard of the hellacious process of trying to get an overnight camping permit in the Enchantments Core

After making all the plans, booking the shuttle, getting fit, and getting your friends psyched, do you really want to cancel your hike due to rain? Maybe.

Training for an Enchantments thru hike is a great excuse to explore some of the region’s more challenging day hikes.