Harding Ice Field Trail

Once again, it was cloudy in the AM and then it cleared up. I've never done the entire 8 mile round trip of this trail. We almost made it. Didn't do the last 0.5 mile to the end of the trail. We could see the emergency shelter and the overlook and also the 20+ people that were clogging up the last bit of the trail. So we called it good and turned around.

beware of falling off steep cliffs!

it's ~3400 ft ascent, gaining ~1,o00 ft every mile.

Sam, in awe of the snow that is still around

we thought it was a fox. Dave has ID'd it as a coyote.

wildflowers were still in full bloom, especially the lupine

another gorgeous day! the descent was more painful than going up...we're going to be a little gimpy tomorrow. especially at the pace we were going. park service recommends 6-8 hrs for the entire hike. it took us 2.5 hrs to go up and 1.5 hrs to go down. 4 hours. granted, we only did 7 miles but still... that's what happens when you let Sam go first. his legs are too long!