![]() ![]() The trail begins with a steady climb through the forest, but the grade is not overly steep. « Hike the Loop CounterclockwiseĪlternatively, enjoy a less strenuous ascent, but a more vigourous descent, by traveling this trail counterclockwise. Return to the main trail to get back to the trailhead. 6 mile round trip detour on a spur trail to Lake Ann. Along the way and just 1.25 miles from the end of the loop, a. Finally, enjoy the last top down views of lovely Lake Ann along a relatively flat stretch of trail before it returns to the forest for the hike back down. ![]() Be sure to check out Heather Pass for its breathtaking views on the spur trail (marked, on the left as you descend) out through the meadow. It then traverses a lovely, steep ridge with great long range views as well as gorgeous views of Lake Ann. The 360 degree views are a delight as the trail meanders through the rock and vegetation strewn shoulder of Frisco Mountain.ĭropping steeply from Maple Pass over a short distance, the trail descends quickly. Although there are sweeping views once the trail leaves the cover of forest and starts the longer switchbacks up to Maple Pass, the truly spectacular views remain hidden until reaching the pass. Gaining 1,700 feet over 2.5 miles the trail climbs aggressively over several steep switchbacks. At the split where it turns to dirt is where the climb begins. The trail begins by following the paved path towards Rainy Lake for roughly a half mile. » Hike the Loop ClockwiseĬhoose a clockwise direction for a steeper ascent to the summit of Maple Pass and a gentler descent back to the parking area. As such, choose your direction and hit the trail because this one is truly a bucket list hike. It all comes down to tolerance and preference. We hike this loop counterclockwise because the views get bigger and grander as the trail emerges from the forest before culminating in the unmatched splendor of the endless views from Maple Pass. Conversely, traveling counterclockwise can be particularly punishing on the knees over the last 2.5 miles the trail descends, but is less strenuous on the way up. Clockwise may be slightly more forgiving on the knees due to a gentler descent overall, but it is definitely a more strenuous way up. Our preferred direction is counterclockwise.Īlthough the trail travels through the same terrain, the experience hiking from either direction is not the same. Once above the trees, the views in front of you and behind you are ever changing, and they are worth checking out from both directions. No matter which direction you travel, be sure to stop and turn around periodically. Because it is a loop, hikers can proceed either clockwise or counterclockwise on the Lake Ann/Maple Pass Loop Trail. The direction of travel on this trail is up to you. As the season progresses, the enchanting wildflowers fade, but the gorgeous golden tones of fall take over. Enjoy them as the trail skirts the side of Lake Ann, in the meadows of Heather Pass, and at the summit of Maple Pass and along the long switchbacks below it. In the summer the vibrant wildflowers are stunning in hues of yellow, pink, red, orange, purple, and white. Whether hiking here early or late in the season, on a clear or an overcast day, be prepared to be wowed!įortunately the short range views are breathtaking no matter what the skies are doing. If the clouds are low, however, many of the impressive long range views may be hidden. If the clouds are high above the mountain peaks the views are incredibly textured and dramatic. On the other hand, a cloudy day can impact the views and their aura. On a clear day hikers on the Lake Ann/Maple Pass Loop Trail get invigorating views of huge mountain peaks under bright blue skies. The paved trail which leads to Rainy Lake and to the Lake Ann/Maple Pass Loop Trail is located on the south side of the parking lot. This is a popular picnic area and trailhead, and it although it has a great deal of parking (40 spaces), the lot does fill early. HIKING THE MAPLE PASS LOOP FROM THE RAINY PASS PICNIC AREA Where to Mountain Bike – North Carolina.Northwest Yellowstone Regional Outventures.Northwest Washington Regional Outventures.Mount Rainier National Park Outventures.Asheville, North Carolina Regional Outventures.
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