MarxMN 2016 Trip Report

[Jay w]

Thanks for the report. I haven't done the Alderson-Carthew hike, but I've eyed it for a while. Thanks for covering that one. What a treat to go in the lookout.

Jay

[MarxMN]

Following up on teapot's question, another of the hikers on our trip provided this picture of the cliffs going up Shangri-la. This is perhaps the most challenging section because the climb is up through a cut in the rocks. Big backpacks do not work well through here. The space is tight but there are good hand and foot holds.





And here is one more flower picture - harebells along the trail from Granite Park Chalet to the Loop.

[teapot57]

Thanks, MarxMN. I'd like to do that hike someday!

[PeteE]

...Big backpacks do not work well through here. The space is tight but there are good hand and foot holds.

Yeah boy! I got stuck in that section you pictured above when I did it the first time with NDJason. I had to pass my pack up to him.

Thanks, MarxMN. I'd like to do that hike someday!

I saw your question earlier and spaced it out till reminded this morning.
Yeah, you can do it.

I like the cliff section. For me, that section is the most fun.

The walk up along the creek to the base of the cliff section is the worst part for me.
That's why I like to start early on ShangriLa. Get that first part over with before the suns out.

Coming down to the lake can bother those who aren't comfortable with steep scree.
And I always seem to forget how to find the easier way down along the tree line for those that don't like "open" route.
I lost half a hiking stick stumbling around and over the stunted trees when JayW and I did it in 2015.
I like going down the scree most of the time.

If descending the scree, you have to be aware of the small cliff parts in the scree.
They can be hard to spot from above if you aren't familiar with the route.
You need descend between or around those little cliff/ledge parts.
I made that mistake taking Toddnick, ND, and his friends a few years ago.
Some leader I am huh?

ShangriLa is a great hike and one of my absolute favorites now.
Many thanks to chatter NDJason for showing me about ShangriLa back in 2010.

pete

PS
The picture I have used for for years as my chat avatar was taken in August 2010 by NDJason on my first ShangriLa hike.
This view of Iceberg Lake just before you get to the scree for the descent is, alone, worth doing the hike.

[PJ]

Great trip report and pictures! I enjoyed it so much - thank you!