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| west Thomas Lake |
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| east Thomas Lake |
For the distance (eight miles r/t), views, degree of difficulty (~500 ft/mile), and proximity to Carbondale, I'm always surprised this trail isn't more crowded. Don't get me wrong, it's a very popular hike, and one that usually has a couple of dozen other hikers on it. But that's not very many. And that's coming from someone who prefers not to find any other hikers on his trails.
The trail is snow-free now, though we did find some snow in the shady places around the lakes. We encountered quite a few people who were camping overnight, including two parties we knew. But with a dozen established campsites, there were still some open ones.
Despite the near-average snowpack this year, the east lake was a good four or five feet below normal. Just like last year. Not sure what's going on there. Also the stream crossings were very easy for any time of the year, but especially this early in the season.
My girlfriend tripped on the way down and hurt her knee, so I don't know if we'll be able to hike next weekend. I hope so, even it's an easy one.
