This past weekend my family and I attempted to hike from Brainard Lake over Pawnee Pass and the Continental Divide down to Crater Lake, camp overnight, and then head next morning down to Monarch Lake.

But within feet of the parking lot we realized snow was going to be an issue. We had a huge late spring snowstorm in May, and would therefore have deep drifts much later than normal.  So, we turned it into an out-an-back  up to Lake Isabelle below the Isabelle glacier.

After a few days of low lying clouds we had a crystal clear day.

But the snow pack was deep in the trees.  

I thought it would thin out as we headed to more exposed areas.  Nope.

We were passed by a few guys going up to ski and snowboard Isabelle Glacier.

Finally, we got to the lake.  It was spectacularly beautiful in the bright morning sun and deep snow.

When we returned to the Brainard Lake, clouds started to move in, but we got a look at a few moose noshing.

And the wildflowers are starting to hit.