Ruel Creek Basin, Hidden and Lost Lake Area in San Juans

[supranihilest]

Seems like a pretty scenic/chill trip...

If the goal is chill then my advice is avoid any drainage without an official trail. Most of the untrailed drainages in the Wemi are not chill. You'll get scenic no matter where you go so no point in making it unpleasant. The trail up Rock Creek is bomber from what I remember, and sounds like it will satisfy your goals. If you do want to make it to Lost and Hidden Lake approach Roell Creek from Rock Lake/the east instead.

[dwoodward13]

The Rock Creek trail is very good, although in a wet August '22 it was essentially a standing lake in places. Zero chance of keeping your feet dry regardless of footwear.

My recommendation would be instead of heading down to Beartown to camp stay on the ridge crest after leaving the CDT/CO Trail and spend a night at Eldorado Lake. Incredible location, far prettier than anywhere around Beartown. There is a use trail along the ridge and down into the lake. I think its on some maps but not others. You would have to backtrack down past Kite Lake to get back on the CDT however.

If you fish at all, bring your fly rod. Flint Lake and Ute Lake (which looks like your map goes to, you just didn't mention it) are amazing fisheries. Dad caught the biggest brookie I've ever seen in Ute Lake. Got skunked at Rock Lake though.

Not sure how many days you are planning out, but I think its worth camping at Ute and Rock Lakes if this is just a chill backpacking trip. Really amazing places along with the aforementioned Eldorado Lake.

[alpinenut]

Great tips thanks!!

[alpinenut]

The Rock Creek trail is very good, although in a wet August '22 it was essentially a standing lake in places. Zero chance of keeping your feet dry regardless of footwear.

My recommendation would be instead of heading down to Beartown to camp stay on the ridge crest after leaving the CDT/CO Trail and spend a night at Eldorado Lake. Incredible location, far prettier than anywhere around Beartown. There is a use trail along the ridge and down into the lake. I think its on some maps but not others. You would have to backtrack down past Kite Lake to get back on the CDT however.

If you fish at all, bring your fly rod. Flint Lake and Ute Lake (which looks like your map goes to, you just didn't mention it) are amazing fisheries. Dad caught the biggest brookie I've ever seen in Ute Lake. Got skunked at Rock Lake though.

Not sure how many days you are planning out, but I think its worth camping at Ute and Rock Lakes if this is just a chill backpacking trip. Really amazing places along with the aforementioned Eldorado Lake.

@dwoodward13 Have you hiked the ridge over Hunchback Mt to connect to the CDT? Looks pretty straight forward on Gaia and Satellite maps...

[dwoodward13]

The Rock Creek trail is very good, although in a wet August '22 it was essentially a standing lake in places. Zero chance of keeping your feet dry regardless of footwear.

My recommendation would be instead of heading down to Beartown to camp stay on the ridge crest after leaving the CDT/CO Trail and spend a night at Eldorado Lake. Incredible location, far prettier than anywhere around Beartown. There is a use trail along the ridge and down into the lake. I think its on some maps but not others. You would have to backtrack down past Kite Lake to get back on the CDT however.

If you fish at all, bring your fly rod. Flint Lake and Ute Lake (which looks like your map goes to, you just didn't mention it) are amazing fisheries. Dad caught the biggest brookie I've ever seen in Ute Lake. Got skunked at Rock Lake though.

Not sure how many days you are planning out, but I think its worth camping at Ute and Rock Lakes if this is just a chill backpacking trip. Really amazing places along with the aforementioned Eldorado Lake.

@dwoodward13 Have you hiked the ridge over Hunchback Mt to connect to the CDT? Looks pretty straight forward on Gaia and Satellite maps...

I haven't but I'm sure others will chime in. You could also look at trip reports for Hunchback and get an idea from the write up/pics in those reports as well.

[alpinenut]

I did look at this report the describes the route starting from Hunchback Pass. Always nice to get color from anyone who has done it. https://www.14ers.com/php14ers/triprep ... trip=22030. We would be doing it on morning 2 with a full pack so that’s another variable. Thanks for everyone’s input.

[supranihilest]

I did look at this report the describes the route starting from Hunchback Pass. Always nice to get color from anyone who has done it. https://www.14ers.com/php14ers/triprep ... trip=22030. We would be doing it on morning 2 with a full pack so that’s another variable. Thanks for everyone’s input.

Since you linked my TR specifically, as far as terrain going over Hunchback Peak it's pretty mild, typical grass to the upper stretches and then scree/talus type of affair. The north side you'd be ascending wouldn't be too nice with a heavy pack, it's somewhat steep and loose. Nicer on the southern side. I haven't done exactly what you plan to do (your route kind of bisects what Whiley and I did about 90 degrees) but that's the gist of the peak and immediate surrounding terrain. Certainly less traveled than staying on the trail and descending to the Hunchback Pass trailhead, perhaps a bit more time consuming but more scenic.

[alpinenut]

I did look at this report the describes the route starting from Hunchback Pass. Always nice to get color from anyone who has done it. https://www.14ers.com/php14ers/triprep ... trip=22030. We would be doing it on morning 2 with a full pack so that’s another variable. Thanks for everyone’s input.

Since you linked my TR specifically, as far as terrain going over Hunchback Peak it's pretty mild, typical grass to the upper stretches and then scree/talus type of affair. The north side you'd be ascending wouldn't be too nice with a heavy pack, it's somewhat steep and loose. Nicer on the southern side. I haven't done exactly what you plan to do (your route kind of bisects what Whiley and I did about 90 degrees) but that's the gist of the peak and immediate surrounding terrain. Certainly less traveled than staying on the trail and descending to the Hunchback Pass trailhead, perhaps a bit more time consuming but more scenic.

My tentative plan is:
Highland Mary Lake TH
Camp at Eldorado Lake Night 1
Ascend NW Ridge of Hunchback Mt and descend E/NE ridge to connect to Humpback Pass then S on CDT.
Alternative is Kite Lake then over Hunchback Pass

The E/NE Ridge from Hunchback Pass, is that the way you went up in your trip report?

hunchback-route.jpg

[supranihilest]

The E/NE Ridge from Hunchback Pass, is that the way you went up in your trip report?
hunchback-route.jpg

Someone didn't read my report and/or look at the GPX.