Day 2 - Long Lake to Soldier Lake

None of us rolled out of the rack very early this first morning in the backcountry.  The climb to New Army Pass, the primary obstacle for day 2, was clearly visible from our camp site at Long Lake.  The pass was some 1,200ft above Camp 1 and should not have presented any problems.  The trail leading up the switchbacks to New Army Pass was in good shape.  However, none of us were really acclimated to high altitude as yet ant what should have been an easy walk up turned into more of a chore than anticipated.

Views from the top of New Army Pass looking back toward High Lake, Long Lake and Cottonwood Lakes was pretty cool.  
The morning sun was behind us giving the clearest possible view (and pictures) looking westward.  We spent some quality rest time at the crest of New Army Pass, fueling the boilers with some trail mix and taking in the sights.  There were a number of hikers traveling in both directions on this section of trail.  We stopped to talk to several parties as we made our way down from New Army Pass toward Camp 2 at Soldier Lake.  Most hikers warned us of rogue bears marauding through camp sites below Soldier Lake.  It seems that the bears were pretty aggressive, taking packs and food from campers even as they watched.  Good thing we had bear canisters.  Wrestling with bears for food is not my idea of fun.

Anyway, the hike from New Army Pass to Soldier lake was scenic, mostly above tree line.  There was plenty of water along the way so we didn't have to haul large quantities... read heavy... for great distances.  One of the hikers we passed gave us directions to the best camp sites at Soldier Lake... and he was right.  We found good tent spots near water and near a bear box, complements of the Park Service.  Camp 2 and Soldier Lake was one of the prettiest camp sites we had the whole trip, very cozy nestled in amongst dense forest bounded by rocky hillsides all around.  Tall mountains in Miter Basin, the next day's objective, were visible beyond the confines of Soldier Lake.

We arrived at Camp 2 (Soldier Lake) in plenty of time to pitch camp, relax, then make dinner.  Some used the time to explore Soldier Lake and reconnoiter for the following day's hike.  Getting into Miter Basin looked difficult at best.  And so ends day 2...

Day 2 Hike Map

Day 2 Hike Stats

Distance:                               4.5mi's
Elevation Gain/Loss:      +1,200ft/-1,500ft
Altitude Max/Min:            12,300ft/10,800ft