My wife and I tackled The Enchantments last year....when we were 55 years old....in 1 day. It was (without a doubt) the toughest hike we've completed. We wound up clocking 25 miles in 15 hours (5am - 9pm). Needless to say, I wouldn't recommend hiking this trail in 1 day, especially if you are out of shape. Luckily we are in fairly decent shape for our age.
25 miles is seriously impressive! I've obviously done the Enchantments, but I'd like to knock out the through hike one of these years to challenge myself. Great job to the both of you! I'm not sure if you've checked out the channel or not, but I have a big hiking/backpacking giveaway running right now if interested! Thanks for the comment!
Hey well I’m glad to hear someone made it through the whole video! Aha I appreciate the comment and the sub more than you know! I hope it helps, and thanks for watching!
Thanks for the tips man! Looking to do the trail this July. I was wondering how we would get back to our car. We'll definitely get the taxi. Heading to watch your other videos now.
Absolutely!! The taxi ride made it simple, and they were really early to getting to us so I'd absolutely recommend that mode of transportation. I appreciate you checking out the video, and for the comment. Cheers!
Hey thanks for the comment, Kent! I actually just did the Enchantments again, so I’ll have some nice updated footage of it coming soon. It was beautiful there. Would love to have you as a subscriber if interested! Thanks for watching!
Hey thanks Ash! Hope it was able to help with some planning on your end. Have a great time on your trip whenever you’re able to go, and feel free to shoot me any questions and I’ll try to be of some help! Cheers! Also, I’d love to have you as a subscriber to the channel if interested!
Hey thanks a lot Michelle! It’s always nice to have it verified by someone else who’s tackled the Enchantments! Would love to have you as a subscriber to the channel if interested. Thanks for watching!
Thanks a lot! I’m glad you enjoyed the video and found it helpful. If you ever do the Enchantments and have a question, feel free to shoot me a comment and I’ll try my best to help answer it. Also, I saw that I gained a subscriber around the time that you commented, and if that was you - thank you! Cheers!
this is a such a great video!! my friend and I are hoping to get a permit for this season, but if we aren’t lucky we’ll definitely have to check out some other hikes in washington. it’s so close, I can’t believe i’ve never hiked in WA! if you ever get a chance to come up to BC, we’ve got some amazing trails as well :) thanks for all the tips!
Thank so much! Good luck on snagging a permit - I hope you guys can do it! If not, I hear that the Necklace Valley to Tank Lakes thru-hike is the "Second Enchantments." That's still one I haven't done, but really want to do! I'd love to do some more hikes up your way.. I've only day hiked to Kokanee Lake and Cirque Peak in Banff, but there's so many places up there that I want to check out. Do you recommend any? Thanks again for the nice comment and for checking out the video!
Sorry for taking a few days to get back to ya! We just got home from a backpacking trip! Thanks so much for watching the video, and best of luck on Aasgard - she’s a butt kicker!
Super informative video and lot of great tips. Some friends and I were lucky enough to score a Core Enchantments pass for late June this year and so we will probably have similar weather to what you experienced. We are wondering how much snow you had to hike through and whether or not you ever had to camp in snow. Thanks!
Hey thank you so much Shauna! I’m glad you enjoyed the video and congratulations on snagging that Core Zone permit. You’re probably right that you’ll experience similar weather that we did. The bulk of the snow we encountered was obviously in the Core Zone, and we only backpacked there one night at Leprechaun Lake before heading down to Snow Lake. The snow was minimal for the most part (a few inches at best).. however, in some shaded areas there was still quite a bit of it. There was a well worn boot path for us to follow the entire hike through the core zone. Leprechaun Lake is one of the lower lakes, and it was mostly uncovered and thawed out for us. We were able to find a super small place to pitch our 2P tent. I have heard that this year’s snowpack in the cascades has been heavier than most years though, and so you could encounter more snow than we did. I would check with the Leavenworth Ranger station in regards to that.. they’ve always been very helpful with me. Just be careful on Aasgard Pass.. you may want to bring Micro Spikes just in case, and if there’s a lot of ice still an ice axe may be needed. All in all I think you’ll do just fine and will have a great time! Does that answer your question?
@@DannyJSchaefer Yes! This absolutely answers my question. Thanks so much for the detailed response. It's definitely going to help us be prepared. And thanks for the tip on checking with the Leavenworth Ranger Station. We'll make sure to do that.
Hey thanks John! Really appreciate that. Also, I see that I got a new subscriber and if that was you (it doesn’t always tell me who it is).. then thank you! Cheers.
Thank you Kelly! I'll cross my fingers that you'll be able to snag a permit this year. Would love it if you'd subscribe to the channel - any support is always appreciated. Thanks again for watching!
A bit late to the party here...but nice job on this video! I was able to do this trip in Sept 2020 (after 13 years of trying to get a core pass). It was a trip of a lifetime for sure. I can't wait to check out your other video's of the trip. Keep up the great work.
Hey there thanks so much for watching this one, and I believe you subscribed as well! That's awesome you were finally able to pull a core permit and were able to tackle this trip. It's hard to believe that a place like this exists right in our own backyard. I was spoiled this year and was invited by a fellow RUclipsr who snagged a permit, and was able to complete it again in early August, and will have a new video of this recent trip up soon! Don't tell anyone as you're the first to know that :) Thanks again for the view, the comment, and the support. Cheers!
#1 tip: The Core Zone is Not a hike, but actually a ROCK SCRAMBLE. Be prepared for scrambling (slow, dangerous on ice, etc) and everything else is relatively easy.
This is all great advice. An under-emphasized point...so I'll emphasize it...if you plan on thru-hiking- train, train, train ahead. Climb, extend your mileage and aim to go for a 12+ hour day hike with nearly 4-5K ft of EG before you go as a practice. This thru hike is minimized in it's immensity far too often and too often to people's detriment. Be prepared. Great video...sub'd ;)
Hike your own hike means choose the trailhead that best suits the person. There is no "best way" bc people are not robots. Example: for those spending several days and not climatised to the elevation, the lower elevation trail head allows more time to acclimatize. For those good with elevation but who prefer to knock out the tough part (the big rocky/snowy pass*) first, the higher, Stuart Lakes trailhead may be preferred. * time of year matters.
I first hiked into Enchantment Lake Basin in 1978 in the first week of October. It was one of the most outstanding hikes I have ever experienced. (I have been backpacking since man first walked on the moon, July 1969).
Wow thanks so much for this comment. How I would've liked to see the trail through your eyes back then. The Enchantments are beautiful and one of a king, but to see them nearly 50 years ago when they were relatively untouched by man would be something special. Thanks for sharing this, Randy.
Hey thanks for checking out the video!! I use a Ursack for food storage. They’re especially handy because the rodents in the Enchantments (especially at Colchuck) are trained to get into your food/pack. I can’t recommend them more. Just be sure to tie it correctly, and you’ll be all set!
lol - I came to WA in the Army in 1994 and got into climbing. We used to walk into the "Core Zone" which was known as the upper Enchantments, climb Prusik or Dragontail or whatever and be back in Leavenworth for a burger and a beer by dark. And we thought we were weak compared to the old timers who developed that whole area for climbing. But this...lmao
came up here a few months and go and got lost, i was supposed to take a right at the snow lake sign but went straight and walked all the way down shield lake being misled but rock piles and turned this 11 hour hike into a 23 hour hike!!! don't be like me do your research before starting a hike
@@DannyJSchaefer yeah i wish i would've watched this video before hand! everything stated in this video not to do, i did. the only part i got right was bringing two cars haha. at 10:10 in the video are the far right of the mountain the thought was Aasgard pass, once i realized it wasn't i treaded over to the top right of dragon tail peak and realized this cant be right because there's no way I'm getting over that ridge, so i had to tread all the way back down to the lake and talk to some campers and they pointed me in the right direction. After getting up to Aasgard pass i made my way through all the lakes up there and once i got to the sign that points to prusik pass and snow lakes i thought prusik pass was the way so i made my journey up the hill and down to shield lake following karens which got more and more confusing, then it got to the point where there i couldn't find anymore and me thinking im some sort of explorer i continued through the forest for about and hour realizing that i need to turn back and retrace my steps because it was getting dark, after about 1-2 hours i was back on top Aasgard pass and the sun just had set and i had to make my way all the way down and back to the colchuck lake and back thought the trail to the second lot in the pitch black. I was determined to quite hiking after that lol. i started the hike at 4am and got back to the car at 3am.
Oh man that was quite the day it sounds like.. unfortunately yeah it sounds like you headed North up Prusik Pass instead of continuing east to Snow Lakes. Aha I hope you end up giving it another shot someday, the area is absolutely beautiful. It definitely sounds like you being an explorer. I honestly can't imagine doing what you did, as going down Aasgard in the dark and back to the trailhead in the dark sounds like absolute hell. My hat is off to you for completing that feat and doing that. I appreciate the comment and for you checking out the video! Would love to have you as a subscriber to the channel if interested. Cheers!
I think it all depends on what you want to get in on your trip, and what you want to see! You can still 100% do the full thru-hike if you start in the snow zone, it would just be more of a gradual uphill hike through the core zone and then a big descent down Aasgard. I've done the thru-hike twice now, and I always pass people on the way down to Snow Lakes who are going up to see the core. You could always start bright and early at the Stuart Lake/Colchuck TH and hike into Colchuck, up Aasgard, through the core zone, and down into the Snow Zone. It'd be a long and physically challenging day but that could be another option. Does that answer your question? Feel free to ask away and I'll try my best to help out. Thanks for watching!
Great video! We have a permit for August. I wonder if the bugs will be as bad then. Secondly I noticed in the video there was snow in the summer. Did you need microspikes.
Thanks so much Donna! Ahh that’ll be a great time for going - congrats on winning the lottery. I bet the bugs will still be out and fairly bad. Yeah there was definitely snow when we went, but that was in late June. We brought spikes but never ended up using them so in August I’m sure you’ll be just fine. Thanks for checking out the video! Would love to have you as a subscriber to the channel if interested. Have fun on your trip!
@@DannyJSchaefer I no longer go after the peaks. Like Warren Miller said, "That was back when my face was tight and my pants were baggy, now my pants are tight and my face is baggy." I'll leave the summits up to you young guys, I have had my glory days. :)
Hey Adam! It wasn't too bad temperature wise. Obviously at the lower elevation lakes such as Colchuck and Snow, it was warmer than it was in the Core Zone. I'd say at night it probably dipped down into the low 30's or 40's F. We had 15 degree sleeping bags and were very comfortable.
I wouldn’t really recommend it in May.. you may be able to get to Colchuck but I’d expect winter conditions still. Otherwise, Aasgard Pass will be treacherous and there will be 100% a lot of snow in the core zone. I suppose it all depends on your experience level, but I’d wait until July through September. From what I’ve read, there is a much a higher snowpack this year than last year too. Hope this helps! Also, I’d love to have you as a subscriber to the channel if interested!
@@DannyJSchaefer Thank you for sharing the valuable information. Subscribed, btw your content was spot on. When do you think the lakes melt completely?
@@sahilbondi Thank you so much! I have another “how to” video of Spade Lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness too if you’re looking for some more ideas. I would say mid July to late July you’d probably see the lakes thawed out 🤙🏼
The chances of winning the Enchantments permit lottery are like your chances of winning the Mega Millions. It has clearly become very popular now. I got the permit back-to-back years in 2012-2013. I've been applying every year, and never won again. :(
That’s a fact - unfortunately. We were really lucky to get our permits last year. It was all because of Covid and how they issued out permits on a weekly basis. Hopefully you’ll get one again one of these years! Thanks for checking out the video! Would love to have you as a subscriber if interested!
I’m thinking about starting at colchuck lake trailhead and turning back after the core enchantments.. do you think the Asgard pass back down to colchuck lake trailhead would be brutal?
I promised God I would never go Down Aasgard again if he would let me live. I've gone up three times. All around one hour. I did mountaineer to snow in 9.5 hours in 2003. FYI I'm a top finisher at Pikes Peak Ascent.
Thanks for sharing. Have you done eight mile? I have a permit for that in August, and I know I cant camp near Colchuck but thought about doing Eight mile and Mt Cashmire or just doing eight mile camping a couple nights then using my 4th night as my enchantments pass to tackle Colchuck and Asgard pass. Thoughts on just making my pass work for 4 days, or should i wait until i can get a permit for the other zones? Thanks and great video!
You bet, thanks for watching! I have not done Eight Mile Lake yet.. unfortunately. From what I know... the only way to camp in any of the zones is if you have a permit for the Core Zone. So.. unfortunately I feel like anything between Colchuck and Snow Lakes is out for you as far as backpacking goes. If it were me.. I'd enjoy your time at Eight Mile, take it easy, and have fun. Then try to get a permit for the other zones (ideally core) another time. Definitely doesn't mean you can't day hike Colchuck, Aasgard etc.. Hope that helps!
@@DannyJSchaefer Yes, Thank you so much for the thoughtful reply! I think I will do just that, and enjoy , and all it has to offer. Cheers and happy hiking!
Hey Chris. Personally I don’t worry too much about bears, but mountain lions in this area are always my concern. I was pretty sure I may have saw one in the Enchantments a couple months back in August. It was far away, and in the core zone but I saw something very quickly run up a forested hill side through trees and brush. It was too dark in color to be a goat, and it was smaller. It was definitely not a black bear either. Another guy in my party saw what I did and thought the same. Hope that gives you some insight.
Great video man, really helpful. Unfortunately I'm sorry to hear you use deet as it's horrible for the environment when you bathe in the stream, if you bathe in the stream. Theres gotta be another alternative, I always just found clothes/gear that helped with the skeeters.
Thanks man! I don’t typically bathe in the streams, but since this video I’ve switched to tea tree oil over deet as it’s natural and not well.. Deet. It’s not as oily and nasty, and works just as well in my opinion. Always learning as I go.. thanks for watching! :)
Hey there. I used Google Earth once or twice in that video, but the one that I was drawing the lines with was called OnX Hunt. Since I made that video, I found that they also have a version called OnX Backcountry for more hiking related activities.. which I would suggest. It’s awesome!
Can you please help define exceptional physical conditioning? I signed up for the lottery with my husband and our friends, I am not super active but plan to train for it. My absolute main concern is Aasgard pass, how would I be able to tell if I am ready? Note: I have the upper body strength of a toddler lol
Hey there! The Enchantments are definitely physically taxing, and Aasgard Pass has the potential of being really difficult if one’s not conditioned properly. However, it’s not technical and looks far more intimidating from across Colchuck Lake than it really is. It’s steep, and can be viewed as a “one step in front of the other” kind of approach. I would definitely recommend training hikes prior to going, as well as some bodyweight HIIT strength training workouts and I bet you’ll make it no problem! Does that help at all? Feel free to ask away if you have anymore questions. Thanks for the sub!
Thank you Danny for the detailed response! It is much appreciated. I’ll probably have more questions once I start HIIT training. Making this hike is on my bucket list and it means so much to me to be able to challenge myself and make it through. I would probably ugly cry from happiness once I make it out. It is a goal that just means a lot, a bit more than just a hike. Thank you again for this content, cheering you on!
@@Sabinisious Absolutely! I love the goal and I hope you crush it. This is a feat, and I'm confident you can do it. I'll be cheering YOU on! Good luck, and thanks again for the support!
It kind of depends on what section of the Enchantments trail you’re on. I thought that the lower elevation lakes had really defined trails, however finding the trail for Aasgard can be challenging sometimes, and we got turned around with the snow in the Core Zone a couple times as well. I would definitely suggest a GPS and a map, however if you really plan out your trip and become very familiar with the trail and your route you’ll make it. Hope that helps, and let me know if you have anymore questions. Thanks for watching the video! Would love to have you as a subscriber if interested.
I have two questions. first just want to confirm, you don't have to have a permit if you do this in a day hike correct? And 2nd, how would you recommend getting back to my vehicle at the trailhead once I finish the hike. Are there transportation systems or taxis around the area or what?
Hey Brock. That’s correct - no permit necessary for day hiking the enchantments. I’m not sure if you watched the whole video or not, but I touched on it I believe in Tip 1 or 2. I’d suggest leaving your vehicle at the trailhead that you’ll END the trip at.. and find a way to the other trailhead to start at it by ordering up a taxi shuttle out of Leavenworth. Good luck and thanks for watching!
I’ll cross my fingers for you guys to score a permit! Thanks for checking out the video. Would love to have you as a subscriber to the channel if interested! Thanks in advanced for the support, and good luck on the trip!
We have a snow lake permit for June 3,4,5 and 6th night.. Can we still hike from Stuart Lake Trailhead to camp at upper snow lake. Or could we hike only from the snowzone trail head with this permit ? Also what date in June 2020 did you do this video ? So that I know how much snow to expect during our trip.
Hey there. That’s going to be an interesting time to go as far as snow conditions go. We backpacked the Enchantments last year around June 20th of 2020, and ran into snow still in the Core Zone as seen in the video. You can day hike anywhere with a Snow Lakes permit in the Enchantments , but you can only stay in the “Snow Zone.” So.. if you started at the Stuart trailhead, you’d have to hike to Colchuck, up Aasgard Pass, through the Core Zone, and then down to Snow Lakes. I’d expect winter conditions on Aasgard and the Core Zone.. so depending on your experience level.. it may be better to just hike up the Snow Lakes trail and call it good there. I’d definitely recommend spending a night at Nada Lake too. From what I’ve read and heard, the snowpack in Washington is a lot heavier this year than previous years. Does that answer your question?
That’s so awesome! Yeah I would say.. expect some snow for sure and micro spikes would probably be a good idea to bring along. Also, I’d love to have you as a subscriber to the channel if interested! I have a subscriber giveaway going on right now that you should definitely get in on!
Bug spray is kinda pointless isnt it. Guess im lucky because im 33 years old and never have used bug spray. Im from the bayous in Florida so maybe i just taste bad
It’s definitely easy to miss the stay left tip. Sticking to the right side just isn’t a place one really would want to end up. Thanks for watching the video, Greg! I also saw that I got a new subscriber a few minutes ago (it doesn’t always tell me who it is), and if it was you - thank you!
@@DannyJSchaefer yep...years ago I thought I was far enough to the left when I was coming down Ass Guard but almost got into that no go zone towards the right. Caught myself just in time before decending down into a spot where I would not of been able to get back up and out.
I discovered this video from your post on AllTrails. It's so helpful! Thank you so much.
That’s awesome to hear! Glad it helped Robyn! Thanks for subscribing to the channel!
Those time lapse shots are unreal. These were great tips - not just the fluff/obvious things a lot of other YTers might list. Love seeing your vids!
Thanks a lot!! This was definitely a different style video than I was used to making so it’s great to hear some good feedback!
My wife and I tackled The Enchantments last year....when we were 55 years old....in 1 day. It was (without a doubt) the toughest hike we've completed. We wound up clocking 25 miles in 15 hours (5am - 9pm). Needless to say, I wouldn't recommend hiking this trail in 1 day, especially if you are out of shape. Luckily we are in fairly decent shape for our age.
25 miles is seriously impressive! I've obviously done the Enchantments, but I'd like to knock out the through hike one of these years to challenge myself. Great job to the both of you! I'm not sure if you've checked out the channel or not, but I have a big hiking/backpacking giveaway running right now if interested! Thanks for the comment!
Keep doing what you're doing! Your descriptions are very clear and informative!
Hey thank you so much!! I really appreciate the nice comment and for the support. I’d love to have you as a subscriber if interested! Thanks again.
Awesome video! Stunning videography and appreciate the 10 second tips. What an awesome experience :)
Hey well I’m glad to hear someone made it through the whole video! Aha I appreciate the comment and the sub more than you know! I hope it helps, and thanks for watching!
Great intro video. Loved the marked up maps and shuttle tip.
Thanks Dylan! I appreciate the support and for the comment. Hope you get to do the Enchantments! Cheers!
Great tips! Thank you so much for sharing!
Looking forward to doing it myself. Thanks for posting this video 👍
Right on you bet! Let me know if you have any questions and I’ll try my best to answer. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the tips man! Looking to do the trail this July. I was wondering how we would get back to our car. We'll definitely get the taxi. Heading to watch your other videos now.
Absolutely!! The taxi ride made it simple, and they were really early to getting to us so I'd absolutely recommend that mode of transportation. I appreciate you checking out the video, and for the comment. Cheers!
Beautiful shots and some amazing views. Love the area
Thanks man! This place was truly spectacular, and it’s some of the most scenic views I’ve seen. I appreciate you watching it!
@@DannyJSchaefer No problem! I love the enchantments!
Thanks, Danny. Look forward to watching your series on the same.
Hey thanks for the comment, Kent! I actually just did the Enchantments again, so I’ll have some nice updated footage of it coming soon. It was beautiful there. Would love to have you as a subscriber if interested! Thanks for watching!
I was at Colcuck in 64 but dad wouldn't let me do Aasgard without an ice ax. Our Finnish friends skied it.
Excellent video! Thank you 🤘☮
This is an incredibly helpful video. Thank you!
Hey thanks Ash! Hope it was able to help with some planning on your end. Have a great time on your trip whenever you’re able to go, and feel free to shoot me any questions and I’ll try to be of some help! Cheers!
Also, I’d love to have you as a subscriber to the channel if interested!
Excellent detail!
This was very helpful and I've hiked through the enchantments a couple times. Thanks for sharing!
Hey thanks a lot Michelle! It’s always nice to have it verified by someone else who’s tackled the Enchantments! Would love to have you as a subscriber to the channel if interested. Thanks for watching!
Great stuff. Really appreciate the insights and tips and covering things that at the end of the day, make or break you. Thank you.
Thanks a lot! I’m glad you enjoyed the video and found it helpful. If you ever do the Enchantments and have a question, feel free to shoot me a comment and I’ll try my best to help answer it. Also, I saw that I gained a subscriber around the time that you commented, and if that was you - thank you! Cheers!
@@DannyJSchaefer Indeed. Guilty as charged my man.
@@baruchvalenzuela1679 Thanks again 🤙🏼
this is a such a great video!! my friend and I are hoping to get a permit for this season, but if we aren’t lucky we’ll definitely have to check out some other hikes in washington. it’s so close, I can’t believe i’ve never hiked in WA! if you ever get a chance to come up to BC, we’ve got some amazing trails as well :) thanks for all the tips!
Thank so much! Good luck on snagging a permit - I hope you guys can do it! If not, I hear that the Necklace Valley to Tank Lakes thru-hike is the "Second Enchantments." That's still one I haven't done, but really want to do! I'd love to do some more hikes up your way.. I've only day hiked to Kokanee Lake and Cirque Peak in Banff, but there's so many places up there that I want to check out. Do you recommend any? Thanks again for the nice comment and for checking out the video!
We won the lottery! Great video!
Woo hoo! Have a blast! Thanks for watching it and for subscribing!
Thanks for all the advice and great vid, definitely prepared me for the hike. Will go back to tackle aasgard.😈
Sorry for taking a few days to get back to ya! We just got home from a backpacking trip! Thanks so much for watching the video, and best of luck on Aasgard - she’s a butt kicker!
Super informative video and lot of great tips. Some friends and I were lucky enough to score a Core Enchantments pass for late June this year and so we will probably have similar weather to what you experienced. We are wondering how much snow you had to hike through and whether or not you ever had to camp in snow. Thanks!
Hey thank you so much Shauna! I’m glad you enjoyed the video and congratulations on snagging that Core Zone permit. You’re probably right that you’ll experience similar weather that we did. The bulk of the snow we encountered was obviously in the Core Zone, and we only backpacked there one night at Leprechaun Lake before heading down to Snow Lake. The snow was minimal for the most part (a few inches at best).. however, in some shaded areas there was still quite a bit of it. There was a well worn boot path for us to follow the entire hike through the core zone. Leprechaun Lake is one of the lower lakes, and it was mostly uncovered and thawed out for us. We were able to find a super small place to pitch our 2P tent.
I have heard that this year’s snowpack in the cascades has been heavier than most years though, and so you could encounter more snow than we did. I would check with the Leavenworth Ranger station in regards to that.. they’ve always been very helpful with me. Just be careful on Aasgard Pass.. you may want to bring Micro Spikes just in case, and if there’s a lot of ice still an ice axe may be needed. All in all I think you’ll do just fine and will have a great time! Does that answer your question?
@@DannyJSchaefer Yes! This absolutely answers my question. Thanks so much for the detailed response. It's definitely going to help us be prepared. And thanks for the tip on checking with the Leavenworth Ranger Station. We'll make sure to do that.
Awesome, I’m glad it helped! If you’re interested I’d love to have you as a subscriber to the channel. No worries if not :) Have a blast on your trip!
@@DannyJSchaeferHappy to!
@@shaunag4954 thank you so much!
Just did it this last weekend. Unfortunately, the fog was so bad we couldn't see the lake the lake from the top until the next morning lol
Awesome footage, thanks for sharing!
Hey thanks John! Really appreciate that. Also, I see that I got a new subscriber and if that was you (it doesn’t always tell me who it is).. then thank you! Cheers.
great video thanks for making it. you did a great job putting this together!
Hey thanks so much! Hope it helps you out sometime! Let me know if you have ever have any questions about the Enchantments. Thanks again!
Awesome video Danny!
Thanks Hector! I really appreciate it!
Thanks for sharing your tips and experience, Danny! Watching this in preparation for the 2021 lottery!
Thank you Kelly! I'll cross my fingers that you'll be able to snag a permit this year. Would love it if you'd subscribe to the channel - any support is always appreciated. Thanks again for watching!
A bit late to the party here...but nice job on this video! I was able to do this trip in Sept 2020 (after 13 years of trying to get a core pass). It was a trip of a lifetime for sure. I can't wait to check out your other video's of the trip. Keep up the great work.
Hey there thanks so much for watching this one, and I believe you subscribed as well! That's awesome you were finally able to pull a core permit and were able to tackle this trip. It's hard to believe that a place like this exists right in our own backyard. I was spoiled this year and was invited by a fellow RUclipsr who snagged a permit, and was able to complete it again in early August, and will have a new video of this recent trip up soon! Don't tell anyone as you're the first to know that :) Thanks again for the view, the comment, and the support. Cheers!
@@DannyJSchaefer Oh that's awesome! I'll admit, I'm a little jealous! I can't wait to check out the new video! I'll keep it to myself for now. ;-)
#1 tip: The Core Zone is Not a hike, but actually a ROCK SCRAMBLE. Be prepared for scrambling (slow, dangerous on ice, etc) and everything else is relatively easy.
Great tip! It’s a scramble similar to when you marched to Isengard with Merry and Pippin on your shoulder and showed Saruman who’s boss.
Would love to have you as a subscriber if interested. Thanks again for watching.
You westerners are a Sturdy breed.....The real American Spirit 🇺🇸
This is all great advice. An under-emphasized point...so I'll emphasize it...if you plan on thru-hiking- train, train, train ahead. Climb, extend your mileage and aim to go for a 12+ hour day hike with nearly 4-5K ft of EG before you go as a practice. This thru hike is minimized in it's immensity far too often and too often to people's detriment. Be prepared. Great video...sub'd ;)
You the man! Thanks for the added advice - I complete agree with you. And thanks for the sub!
Great video and good information.
Thanks Mike! I appreciate you checking out the video. Would love to have you as a subscriber to the channel if interested!
Hike your own hike means choose the trailhead that best suits the person. There is no "best way" bc people are not robots. Example: for those spending several days and not climatised to the elevation, the lower elevation trail head allows more time to acclimatize. For those good with elevation but who prefer to knock out the tough part (the big rocky/snowy pass*) first, the higher, Stuart Lakes trailhead may be preferred.
* time of year matters.
Great tips! It’s definitely person dependent for sure. I appreciate your feedback and for checking out the video.
I first hiked into Enchantment Lake Basin in 1978 in the first week of October. It was one of the most outstanding hikes I have ever experienced. (I have been backpacking since man first walked on the moon, July 1969).
Wow thanks so much for this comment. How I would've liked to see the trail through your eyes back then. The Enchantments are beautiful and one of a king, but to see them nearly 50 years ago when they were relatively untouched by man would be something special. Thanks for sharing this, Randy.
No tips or warnings about the descent down to Snow Lake?
amazing tips. thank you! I'm gathering all my gear for our trip right now. What did you do for food storage overnight?
Hey thanks for checking out the video!! I use a Ursack for food storage. They’re especially handy because the rodents in the Enchantments (especially at Colchuck) are trained to get into your food/pack. I can’t recommend them more. Just be sure to tie it correctly, and you’ll be all set!
Hey thanks!!
lol - I came to WA in the Army in 1994 and got into climbing. We used to walk into the "Core Zone" which was known as the upper Enchantments, climb Prusik or Dragontail or whatever and be back in Leavenworth for a burger and a beer by dark. And we thought we were weak compared to the old timers who developed that whole area for climbing. But this...lmao
Great one again buddy
Thank you so much! I’ve never made a video like this so I’m glad you enjoyed it. Hope all is well.
came up here a few months and go and got lost, i was supposed to take a right at the snow lake sign but went straight and walked all the way down shield lake being misled but rock piles and turned this 11 hour hike into a 23 hour hike!!! don't be like me do your research before starting a hike
Oh no! That sounds like it was quite the detour.. sorry that happened to you, but I’m glad you’re okay! Thanks for watching the video!
@@DannyJSchaefer yeah i wish i would've watched this video before hand! everything stated in this video not to do, i did. the only part i got right was bringing two cars haha. at 10:10 in the video are the far right of the mountain the thought was Aasgard pass, once i realized it wasn't i treaded over to the top right of dragon tail peak and realized this cant be right because there's no way I'm getting over that ridge, so i had to tread all the way back down to the lake and talk to some campers and they pointed me in the right direction. After getting up to Aasgard pass i made my way through all the lakes up there and once i got to the sign that points to prusik pass and snow lakes i thought prusik pass was the way so i made my journey up the hill and down to shield lake following karens which got more and more confusing, then it got to the point where there i couldn't find anymore and me thinking im some sort of explorer i continued through the forest for about and hour realizing that i need to turn back and retrace my steps because it was getting dark, after about 1-2 hours i was back on top Aasgard pass and the sun just had set and i had to make my way all the way down and back to the colchuck lake and back thought the trail to the second lot in the pitch black. I was determined to quite hiking after that lol. i started the hike at 4am and got back to the car at 3am.
Oh man that was quite the day it sounds like.. unfortunately yeah it sounds like you headed North up Prusik Pass instead of continuing east to Snow Lakes. Aha I hope you end up giving it another shot someday, the area is absolutely beautiful. It definitely sounds like you being an explorer. I honestly can't imagine doing what you did, as going down Aasgard in the dark and back to the trailhead in the dark sounds like absolute hell. My hat is off to you for completing that feat and doing that.
I appreciate the comment and for you checking out the video! Would love to have you as a subscriber to the channel if interested. Cheers!
@@DannyJSchaefer for sure man! I will definitely be giving this another shot something next summer
Regarding tip #1, What if you get the permit for snow zone and have to start there? We picked the choice that we are most likely to get
I think it all depends on what you want to get in on your trip, and what you want to see! You can still 100% do the full thru-hike if you start in the snow zone, it would just be more of a gradual uphill hike through the core zone and then a big descent down Aasgard. I've done the thru-hike twice now, and I always pass people on the way down to Snow Lakes who are going up to see the core. You could always start bright and early at the Stuart Lake/Colchuck TH and hike into Colchuck, up Aasgard, through the core zone, and down into the Snow Zone. It'd be a long and physically challenging day but that could be another option. Does that answer your question? Feel free to ask away and I'll try my best to help out. Thanks for watching!
Great video! We have a permit for August. I wonder if the bugs will be as bad then. Secondly I noticed in the video there was snow in the summer. Did you need microspikes.
Thanks so much Donna! Ahh that’ll be a great time for going - congrats on winning the lottery. I bet the bugs will still be out and fairly bad. Yeah there was definitely snow when we went, but that was in late June. We brought spikes but never ended up using them so in August I’m sure you’ll be just fine. Thanks for checking out the video! Would love to have you as a subscriber to the channel if interested. Have fun on your trip!
thanks for the tips
You bet - I hope they helped! Thanks for watching.
Good tips! Tomorrow the lottery opens up! Fingers crossed for my Core permit!.
Thanks Gus! Hoping you’ll get one for the year. Mount Stuart again here you come. Aha
@@DannyJSchaefer I no longer go after the peaks. Like Warren Miller said, "That was back when my face was tight and my pants were baggy, now my pants are tight and my face is baggy." I'll leave the summits up to you young guys, I have had my glory days. :)
20 miles! Can I ride a one-wheel?
How cold was it at night on your summer through hike? Contemplating which sleeping bag to bring
Hey Adam! It wasn't too bad temperature wise. Obviously at the lower elevation lakes such as Colchuck and Snow, it was warmer than it was in the Core Zone. I'd say at night it probably dipped down into the low 30's or 40's F. We had 15 degree sleeping bags and were very comfortable.
Can you do the hike in mid May and still get to see all the beauty? Not sure if snow is melted by that time or not!
I wouldn’t really recommend it in May.. you may be able to get to Colchuck but I’d expect winter conditions still. Otherwise, Aasgard Pass will be treacherous and there will be 100% a lot of snow in the core zone. I suppose it all depends on your experience level, but I’d wait until July through September.
From what I’ve read, there is a much a higher snowpack this year than last year too. Hope this helps! Also, I’d love to have you as a subscriber to the channel if interested!
@@DannyJSchaefer Thank you for sharing the valuable information. Subscribed, btw your content was spot on.
When do you think the lakes melt completely?
@@sahilbondi Thank you so much! I have another “how to” video of Spade Lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness too if you’re looking for some more ideas. I would say mid July to late July you’d probably see the lakes thawed out 🤙🏼
The chances of winning the Enchantments permit lottery are like your chances of winning the Mega Millions. It has clearly become very popular now. I got the permit back-to-back years in 2012-2013. I've been applying every year, and never won again. :(
That’s a fact - unfortunately. We were really lucky to get our permits last year. It was all because of Covid and how they issued out permits on a weekly basis. Hopefully you’ll get one again one of these years! Thanks for checking out the video! Would love to have you as a subscriber if interested!
I’m thinking about starting at colchuck lake trailhead and turning back after the core enchantments.. do you think the Asgard pass back down to colchuck lake trailhead would be brutal?
(Planning on being there next week)
I promised God I would never go Down Aasgard again if he would let me live.
I've gone up three times. All around one hour. I did mountaineer to snow in 9.5 hours in 2003.
FYI I'm a top finisher at Pikes Peak Ascent.
Thanks for sharing. Have you done eight mile? I have a permit for that in August, and I know I cant camp near Colchuck but thought about doing Eight mile and Mt Cashmire or just doing eight mile camping a couple nights then using my 4th night as my enchantments pass to tackle Colchuck and Asgard pass. Thoughts on just making my pass work for 4 days, or should i wait until i can get a permit for the other zones?
Thanks and great video!
You bet, thanks for watching! I have not done Eight Mile Lake yet.. unfortunately. From what I know... the only way to camp in any of the zones is if you have a permit for the Core Zone. So.. unfortunately I feel like anything between Colchuck and Snow Lakes is out for you as far as backpacking goes. If it were me.. I'd enjoy your time at Eight Mile, take it easy, and have fun. Then try to get a permit for the other zones (ideally core) another time. Definitely doesn't mean you can't day hike Colchuck, Aasgard etc.. Hope that helps!
@@DannyJSchaefer Yes, Thank you so much for the thoughtful reply! I think I will do just that, and enjoy , and all it has to offer. Cheers and happy hiking!
@@lukeromero7252 good deal - you’re welcome! Would love to have you as a subscriber to channel if interested!
Are bears and mountain lions a concern around spring/summer time?
Hey Chris. Personally I don’t worry too much about bears, but mountain lions in this area are always my concern. I was pretty sure I may have saw one in the Enchantments a couple months back in August. It was far away, and in the core zone but I saw something very quickly run up a forested hill side through trees and brush. It was too dark in color to be a goat, and it was smaller. It was definitely not a black bear either. Another guy in my party saw what I did and thought the same. Hope that gives you some insight.
Great video man, really helpful. Unfortunately I'm sorry to hear you use deet as it's horrible for the environment when you bathe in the stream, if you bathe in the stream. Theres gotta be another alternative, I always just found clothes/gear that helped with the skeeters.
Thanks man! I don’t typically bathe in the streams, but since this video I’ve switched to tea tree oil over deet as it’s natural and not well.. Deet. It’s not as oily and nasty, and works just as well in my opinion. Always learning as I go.. thanks for watching! :)
Was that map you were using Google Earth? I like the way you could color coordinate the lines. Thanks
Hey there. I used Google Earth once or twice in that video, but the one that I was drawing the lines with was called OnX Hunt. Since I made that video, I found that they also have a version called OnX Backcountry for more hiking related activities.. which I would suggest. It’s awesome!
@@DannyJSchaefer okay great. I have seen the app by that company on my phone. I will check it out. Thank you 😁
You bet! Hope it works. Would love to have you as a subscriber to the channel if interested! Thanks for checking out the video!
@@DannyJSchaefer Subscribed! 😁
Thanks so much!
Can you please help define exceptional physical conditioning? I signed up for the lottery with my husband and our friends, I am not super active but plan to train for it. My absolute main concern is Aasgard pass, how would I be able to tell if I am ready? Note: I have the upper body strength of a toddler lol
Hey there! The Enchantments are definitely physically taxing, and Aasgard Pass has the potential of being really difficult if one’s not conditioned properly. However, it’s not technical and looks far more intimidating from across Colchuck Lake than it really is. It’s steep, and can be viewed as a “one step in front of the other” kind of approach. I would definitely recommend training hikes prior to going, as well as some bodyweight HIIT strength training workouts and I bet you’ll make it no problem! Does that help at all? Feel free to ask away if you have anymore questions. Thanks for the sub!
Thank you Danny for the detailed response! It is much appreciated. I’ll probably have more questions once I start HIIT training. Making this hike is on my bucket list and it means so much to me to be able to challenge myself and make it through. I would probably ugly cry from happiness once I make it out. It is a goal that just means a lot, a bit more than just a hike. Thank you again for this content, cheering you on!
@@Sabinisious Absolutely! I love the goal and I hope you crush it. This is a feat, and I'm confident you can do it. I'll be cheering YOU on! Good luck, and thanks again for the support!
how well defined was the trail? Could you navigate through the trail without GPS or a map?
It kind of depends on what section of the Enchantments trail you’re on. I thought that the lower elevation lakes had really defined trails, however finding the trail for Aasgard can be challenging sometimes, and we got turned around with the snow in the Core Zone a couple times as well. I would definitely suggest a GPS and a map, however if you really plan out your trip and become very familiar with the trail and your route you’ll make it. Hope that helps, and let me know if you have anymore questions. Thanks for watching the video! Would love to have you as a subscriber if interested.
I have two questions. first just want to confirm, you don't have to have a permit if you do this in a day hike correct?
And 2nd, how would you recommend getting back to my vehicle at the trailhead once I finish the hike. Are there transportation systems or taxis around the area or what?
Hey Brock. That’s correct - no permit necessary for day hiking the enchantments. I’m not sure if you watched the whole video or not, but I touched on it I believe in Tip 1 or 2. I’d suggest leaving your vehicle at the trailhead that you’ll END the trip at.. and find a way to the other trailhead to start at it by ordering up a taxi shuttle out of Leavenworth. Good luck and thanks for watching!
just applied for lottery, hopefully we get some permits
I’ll cross my fingers for you guys to score a permit! Thanks for checking out the video. Would love to have you as a subscriber to the channel if interested! Thanks in advanced for the support, and good luck on the trip!
We have a snow lake permit for June 3,4,5 and 6th night.. Can we still hike from Stuart Lake Trailhead to camp at upper snow lake. Or could we hike only from the snowzone trail head with this permit ? Also what date in June 2020 did you do this video ? So that I know how much snow to expect during our trip.
Hey there. That’s going to be an interesting time to go as far as snow conditions go. We backpacked the Enchantments last year around June 20th of 2020, and ran into snow still in the Core Zone as seen in the video.
You can day hike anywhere with a Snow Lakes permit in the Enchantments , but you can only stay in the “Snow Zone.” So.. if you started at the Stuart trailhead, you’d have to hike to Colchuck, up Aasgard Pass, through the Core Zone, and then down to Snow Lakes. I’d expect winter conditions on Aasgard and the Core Zone.. so depending on your experience level.. it may be better to just hike up the Snow Lakes trail and call it good there. I’d definitely recommend spending a night at Nada Lake too.
From what I’ve read and heard, the snowpack in Washington is a lot heavier this year than previous years. Does that answer your question?
Yes Danny that perfectly answers my question with more facts.
Perfect! Good luck on your trip. Also, I’d love to have you as a subscriber to the channel if interested! No worries if not. Cheers 👍🏼🌲
Hi there! What time of year did you backpack the enchantments?
Hey Doris! We did this around June 20th of 2020. Thanks for watching!
Thank you! We got a permit for May so we’re trying to figure out how much snow we’re going to encounter!
That’s so awesome! Yeah I would say.. expect some snow for sure and micro spikes would probably be a good idea to bring along.
Also, I’d love to have you as a subscriber to the channel if interested! I have a subscriber giveaway going on right now that you should definitely get in on!
Use poles
Bug spray is kinda pointless isnt it. Guess im lucky because im 33 years old and never have used bug spray. Im from the bayous in Florida so maybe i just taste bad
Tip one: Bring poles.
Yep! We vowed to never backpack without trekking poles again after this one. Thanks for watching!
Easy to miss the stay to the left tip...both going up and down...Guard your Ass Guard...
It’s definitely easy to miss the stay left tip. Sticking to the right side just isn’t a place one really would want to end up. Thanks for watching the video, Greg! I also saw that I got a new subscriber a few minutes ago (it doesn’t always tell me who it is), and if it was you - thank you!
@@DannyJSchaefer yep...years ago I thought I was far enough to the left when I was coming down Ass Guard but almost got into that no go zone towards the right. Caught myself just in time before decending down into a spot where I would not of been able to get back up and out.
@@DannyJSchaefer yea..probably me..
Tip number one. Stop advertising the place with these idiotic self serving RUclips videos. The place is massively overcrowded already.