7 am @ South La Plata trailhead, left Buena Vista Hotel at 5 am. (see same time trailhead report)

Perfect conditions. Clear skies. Dry trail. Occ. small streams. Boggy marsh before ridgeline, pretty dry overall.

Main reason for choosing this trailhead for La Plata over the much more accessible north trailhead is plenty of parking given: Saturday, Aspen turning, weather perfect last few days and same predicted for that day.

When we summited around 1145 am, our fellow hikers who parked at the north trailhead confirmed our suspicions. Estimated 50 cars for the 12 or so spots off the main highway 82.

Also, the south route had only two solo hikers and one group. Not crowded at all.

Main challenge for this trailhead is accurately discussed elsewhere regarding difficulties route finding in the talus fields above the ridgeline (third-fifth photos) and up to the main false summit.

The screenshotted photos with mile lap markers indicate our ascent and descent (3 miles above ridgeline, 7 miles upon return.) You can see our route finding was sketch.

Cairns appear to be a bit better than last time (2011) in that many smaller ones are gone (but how can you be sure, talk about rocks blending in with more rocks!) As known, the cairns are much easier to spot on descent, and almost useless ascending in this rocky and steep incline, even if you do spot one or two. So be ready to scramble and rely on very good boots with great grip. Younger climbers without history of ankle sprains may be fine in mid-cut trail runners (less ankle support than boots) but beware the loosey goosey boulder.

Review crossing talus fields prior to going if you are new to this unique challenge, e.g., wear gloves, stay low, one or two walking sticks (I prefer one with a rubber tip.,) consider a helmet on steeper grades, etc.

We strayed too far to the east (right) of the first set of rapid elevation changes above ridgeline. On descent we spotted a fairly decent series of cairns and the vague sense of a trail down the middle.

May you be so fortunate to spot them going up.

Nothing like great weather to make up for route finding hassles.

See also my trip report from October 2010, under the name Brighteyes. Good to be back. And I hiked with a good friend.