Hike #2: Weller Lake

..Weller Lake.

Also located off of Independence Pass, Weller Lake is exactly that, a high-alpine lake nestled in a bowl between Difficult Peak and New York Peak. Unlike the Grottos, we had to work much harder on this hike, as the climb from the trailhead to the lake was steep and unforgiving. The rewards, however, were spectacular.

Climbing along the rock-strewn singletrack, with thick forest seemingly extending for miles, it doesn't seem possible that a huge body of water could be hidden amongst the trees. But as you ascend the final short climb, there it is: the clearest lake you've ever seen, comprised solely of run-off from the snow of winters long ago.

If you look closely at the upper right hand corner of the picture, you can make out a large "missing" patch of mountain, the result of an avalanche that pulverized everything in its path. It's an amazing thing to see.