Josephine Lake, Holy Cross Wilderness area

On our way to the Savage/Carter loop last week, we passed a trailhead marked #1912. Checking the map, we found it led to Josephine Lake, a small oblong body of water surrounded on three sides by mountains. It was agreed this would be our next hike.

Like all the trails in the Holy Cross Wilderness area, Josephine Lake did not disappoint.  It was one of the more challenging day hikes, however, as there's quite a bit of elevation gain until you start descending to the lake.

We experienced just about all types of weather this day, the main reason to be prepared when hiking or backpacking in the mountains.  This photo was taken during a break in the rain, when sun bathed much of the area and helped the lake show off it's fantastic shades of green and blue.

Lower Savage Lake, Holy Cross Wilderness area

I couldn't stop at just one. This is the lower Savage Lake. Just about any view across the lake was nice. What I looked for as I walked around, were interesting foreground elements. Because the polarizer allowed me to cut through the glare of the water, I also liked shallow rocks.

The Holy Cross Wilderness Area has many great trails, and is accessible from both the Frying Pan Valley as well as the the Eagle River Valley.  As backcountry hiking goes, the trailheads east of Ruedi Reservoir give an explorer access to some of the most incredible scenery anywhere in the rocky mountains.

Upper Savage Lake, Holy Cross Wilderness area

A return to one of my favorite destinations allowed me to see the upper lake, and some of its features, from a different vantage. I love these rocks, and spent quite some time exploring how I could use them in the foreground of a landscape photo.

Savage Lakes (and the side spur to Carter Lake), in the Holy Cross Wilderness Area, make a better day hike than backpack trip.  The trail is not terribly challenging, and there are many places to explore at both lakes (as well as the "third lake," one of several ponds high above the upper lake).