Headwall Lake is usually a forgotten hike. It shares the parking lot with the premier Chester Lake trail and doesn’t get star billing. In fact, it gets no billing all. Push those thoughts aside—this 10-mile hike weaves through multiple terrain, on its way up to some pretty spectacular views.
We were one of two cars in the entire parking lot, which was quite unusual for high season. The trailhead was located on the far east side of the entrance, as far away from the restrooms as one could get. After reading that some people had trouble finding the trail, we downloaded the gps.
Just off trail appeared a very mellow forest hare.
The first third of the hike was a designated snowshoe trail. It ascended gently, and was wide enough for Dave and I to walk side-by-side. Many have found this part to be a bit boring, but we found it to be a great warm-up. The damp, cool trail was swarming with mosquitoes. DEEEEEEEET.
Thanks to abundant rainfall, our trail had it’s own little waterway.
Just beyond the creek, leading towards the deep forest portion of our hike.
After crossing Headwall Creek, we headed up a hill. A large arrow built of rocks directed us to a small narrow trail leading into the woods. As we wove through the thick shaded forest, we came upon a backcountry warning sign. In essence, it might as well have said, ”You’re on your own from this point on, eh?“
The forest trail opened to a meandering creek. We followed it to just below the tree line, surrounded by green mountains and a giant waterfall formed from the two lakes above.
View from the creek, heading straight up towards the headwall (top center).
Headwall bound.
View of the lower falls from the creek, courtesy of Dave’s telephoto lens.
This is the view prior to the BIG climb.
After crossing scree and a small patch of snow, a steep climb ensued. Dave put aside the hiking poles and opted for using his hands. I followed suit. No time for photos—we just focused on getting to the top. Tree trunks and roots along the trail came in really, really handy.
Post climb.
We stopped to view the top of the falls, then approached a massive headwall. A short scramble to the top took us lakeside.
Top of the falls with the headwall in the background.
The headwall.
It was considerably cooler and windy at the top, but we found a perfect sheltered spot to lunch. It featured reclining (ok, slanted ) rocks, warmed by the midday sun. Lovely.
The first of two lakes, the second is located just behind the falls.
View to the right of our lunch spot. Note the coral on the rocks (top right).
Alpine flowers.
The trek down was tedious, as always. Fatigue set in around the eight-mile point. The good news was that it had warmed up enough to momentarily quash the mosquitoes.
View from the headwall, heading back.
Dave and I have learned to love the secondary, less popular trails. It seems like the hikes that many forget can create some wonderful memories for those who don’t.