Moon Lake Approach

Date: 07/16/2021
Partner: Kristi Henes, Heather Ryan (Photos by all)
Trailhead: Snowmass Creek
Distance: 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 3000ft
Duration: 4 hours

When hiking to Moon Lake from the Snowmass Creek TH a GPS track is very helpful. Although you start out on a well-established trail there is a significant creek crossing and the trail quality will degrade mile by mile. The first 4 miles of the approach were cruiser for us, however when we reached what I will call 'Deadfall Meadow' our pace slowed. Crossing the meadow over logs and through bushes was challenging. At the end of the meadow the terrain steepens as you follow the creek and climb up on the left. The last pitch to camp is on talus and balancing with a heavy pack at mile 6 wasn't always easy. At the top of the talus pitch, there are a number of excellent spots to pitch a tent (hahahaha) with convenient water sources.