You can either thru-hike the Enchantments as one massive day hike or you can backpack the Enchantments, spending several nights here . However, to camp in the Enchantments, you must have a permit. Getting a permit takes extremely good luck, which is why most people will visit the Enchantments on a day hike.
When can you hike the Enchantments?
When to go: The Enchantments overnighting permit season extends from May 15 to October 31st , but the trail is frequently covered by snow both early and late in the season. Plan your hike for mid-July to mid-September, and check both trip reports and weather forecasts before getting started.
Can you hike the Enchantments?
There are three ways to experience the Enchantments, none easy. The absolute minimum price of admission here is a hike of not less than seven miles gaining at least 4,400 feet in elevation in order to make it to even just one of the lakes in the Upper Enchantments.
How do you train for enchantments through hike?
PREPARE PHYSICALLY (and MENTALLY). In addition to about 8-10 hours of general aerobic exercise a week and some strength training , be sure to take day hikes on weekends, progressively longer and more challenging (8-15 miles) over a couple months leading up within 1-2 weeks before your Enchantments day hike.
How hard is the Enchantments hike?
It is an absolutely gorgeous hike, but it is also extremely difficult , when done as a day hike. Over the course of almost 20 miles, you will ascend one mile and then drop down another 7,000 feet to finish the hike. It is a long, hard day but one that you will never forget.
Do you need a permit to hike the enchantments?
Due to the overwhelming popularity of this unique area, all visitors must obtain a permit if visiting from May 15 through October 31 . Day users need only fill out a free day-use permit, available at any of the three trailheads accessing The Enchantment Permit Area.
Are there toilets in the Enchantments?
The network of 40-plus vault toilets located through the Enchantment Basin is one of the main reasons the area remains so pristine. Each vault can contain 230 pounds or more of human waste.
Do you need bear spray in the Enchantments?
There are not actually any specific food storage regulations for the Enchantments, so we decided not to carry our bear canister to reduce weight as bears are not a big issue in this area.
Can you swim in the Enchantments?
Route: For the broadest swim experience, do the Enchantment Traverse, a 21-mile hike starting at the Colchuck Lake Trailhead (Mountaineer Creek) and ending at the Snow Creek Trailhead . See our topo map of the route.
How hard is Colchuck Lake hike?
How hard is the Colchuck Lake hike? It’s hard . I think it’s important to include that this hike is harder than it looks from its statistics alone. The first mile and a half doesn’t have much elevation gain, which makes the last three miles to the lake very steep in places, especially the last mile.
How long of a hike is Colchuck Lake?
This beautiful and very popular 4-mile trail is accessed from Stuart Lake Trail #1599 which starts at Stuart Lake Trailhead (3400′ elevation). The trail gradually climbs through forest along Mountaineer Creek and crosses creek at 1.5 miles on a log bridge.
Is Colchuck trail open?
The gate on Road #7601 near junction with Icicle Road is closed and locked for the season (November 12, 2021) . The road accesses Eightmile and Colchuck/Stuart trailheads. The road is closed to vehicles every winter to protect the roadbed from damage and prevent hazardous travel on the steep exposed snow covered road.
Where should I stay in Enchantments?
- Fairbridge Inn & Suites. 2-star. Downtown Leavenworth9.2 miles to The Enchantments. ...
- Icicle Village Resort. 3.5-star. ...
- Obertal Inn. 2-star. ...
- Enzian Inn. 3-star. ...
- Der Ritterhof Inn. 2.5-star. ...
- Bavarian Lodge. 3.5-star. ...
- Blue Elk Inn. 2.5-star. ...
- LOGE Leavenworth Downtown. 3-star.
What should I bring to Enchantments?
- pack- Osprey 65L, still loving this pack!
- pack rain cover (ended up using this a couple times)
- hiking poles.
- tent (love, love, love our Big Agnes Copper Spur UL 3)
- sleeping bag ( I have a mummy Marmot down sleeping bag and hate the mummy style so much.
Is there cell service in the Enchantments?
Coverage is non-existent from the Stuart Lake trailhead to Aasgard Pass . Don’t expect to post Facebook pictures, but texts in the upper and lower Enchantments did go through for us. To learn more about cell coverage in the wilderness check out the Cairn App.
How long can you stay in the Enchantments?
NOTE: A Core Enchantment Zone permit will allow you to camp in any of the 5 permit zones. Maximum length of stay is 14 consecutive days .
Can you camp in the Enchantments?
The Enchantment Permit Area Zones
During the permit season, camping is restricted to the zone for which a permit is issued . The only exception to this is that those obtaining a Core Enchantment Permit are also allowed to camp in any of the other zones.
How do you win the Enchantments lottery?
Tips. If you wish to see Enchantment Basin, you’ll have much better odds of winning the lottery if you apply for a permit in either the Colchuck or Snow Zones and plan on day-hiking up to the basin (rather than applying to camp there).
Are dogs allowed in the Enchantments?
There are several areas, however, where dogs are not permitted or must be on leash: Enchantments and Ingalls Lake Trail – Because of heavy hiker use and the fragile ecosystem of these areas, dogs are not allowed anywhere in the Enchantments Basin and on the Ingalls Lake Trail.
Are there bears at Colchuck Lake?
Route beta — Colchuck Lake
Cons: May be very busy on the weekends, try to leave this one for the week days. Note that bears and cougars are in the area .
How long is Aasgard Pass?
As far as miles per hour goes, Aasgard may be one of the slowest hikes you attempt. Achieving the pass is a thigh-burning, chest-bursting, eye-popping endeavor that offers as many extraordinary views as beads of sweat that will fall from your brow as you ascend nearly 2000 feet in just three-quarters of a mile .
Are there Grizzlies in the Enchantments?
A grown male Grizzly can range over 1000 miles. That means a Grizzly could show up at dozens of Cascade climbing areas to include The Enchantments, Washington Pass, Darrington, New Halem, and anything in the Cascade Alpine .
How long does it take to backpack the Enchantments?
Although the Enchantments hike can be done in two days , this hike is best done in at least three days, spending two nights camping within the permit zone. If you have more time, you won’t get bored spending more time in this beautiful area!
How many lakes are in the Enchantments?
At an elevation of 4,500 feet (1,372 m), it is home to over 700 alpine lakes and ponds surrounded by the vast peaks of Cashmere Crags, which rate among the best rock-climbing sites in the western United States.
