Trip Map
Burro Pass is a great hike to begin the conditioning phase of your
backpacking season. I was rather surprised at the steepness of the
trail on the western side. It does get you up quickly on the upper
spine of ridges between Manns Peak (12272') and Mount Tomasaki (12239').
I saw ski tracks in the snow drifts in the trees in the valley bottom,
I also saw a lot and large avalanched snow with all the debris of
pretty powerful slides. I would assume the tracks were from wise
skiers who went when the snow was stable. I picked the right time
of year for some great views of mountain wildflowers as shown below.
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The trail I took began in what is claimed to be the
largest single organism on Earth, the acres of the aspen grove at
Warner lake.
I really don't know about the actual validity of this claim,
but its what I've been told from the locals so I'll leave it at
that.
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3.5 miles later one reaches Burrow pass, the above
view is looking East toward Colorado with Mt Tomasaki on the left.
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The top of Burro Pass.
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Spring color - meadow gold.
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This area is found near Warner Lake. Warner Lake is one of my favorite
places to just base camp, get away and relax with a 6 pack and
a nice comfy fire
(in
a designated camp spot of course).
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I was fortunate to have visited this area at the height of wildflower
bloom.
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Looking toward the "Middle La Sal Mountains". The rounded peak
on the left is Haystack and the flat zone between it and the next
peak (Mt Mellenthin 12,645') is Geyser Pass. In the valley below
is located Oowah lake and the upper Mill Creek Canyon. In the
basin
formed by the peaks in the background to the right of Geyser
Pass is Gold Basin, another base camp getaway favorite of mine.
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A context of close colors and far peaks, Yes, Virginia I was there
and it was magnificent.
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