Bushcamp to Bushcamp
33.2 miles
Mile 2622.0
Feeling prime from an awesome night of sleep, Spikes and I were on trail by 5 with fingers crossed that the trail at Rainy Pass would be open.
An hour later we reached Highway 20, where Rainy Pass trailhead resides. The trail was super closed, but without any good options to circumvent the closure, we decided to risk continuing on.
As we began our ascent towards Cut Throat Pass smoke scented the air and a light haze hung in the distance.
When we reached the top of the pass, we could only see light smoke off in the distance.
Continuing on, the trail winded it’s way along a ridge line where we passed a tent, but no one was home.
Shortly after, we came upon a group of four rangers who questioned us, but ultimately allowed us to continue our northern trajectory. Apparently the owner of the tent we’d seen wasn’t as lucky, and had to hike out, leaving his tent for the rangers to pack out and later retrieve.
Pleased with how the interaction had unfolded for us, we pushed on towards Hart’s Pass.
We took a short break before attacking the back breaking Glacier Pass ascent. The series of long steep exposed switchbacks took some real effort, but big climbs equal big view, so we were amply rewarded.
The remaining miles rode a surprisingly dry and barren mountainous ridge line, reminiscent of southern Cali.
We took our final break to fill our bottles at the most delicious little spring. The water was ice cold and clear as crystal. Yum.
Upon arriving at Hart’s Pass campground, we swung by the ranger station where we met the friendly host. She offered us water, and let us pillage the hiker box she maintained.
After thanking her, we were delighted to find a scenic campground on a ridge with a picnic table and fire pit…luxurious I know. We enjoyed dinner while chatting up a friendly section hiker, before calling it a night.
Cheers!