July 9 & 10, 2016: Lackawaxen Lake & Clayton Peak

This was a backpack in to Lackawaxen Lake via Clayton Peak from Guardsman Pass. These are no harrowing distances nor elevation gains but with 40 lbs. on the back it sure feels like it! You gain about 2,000' in part because you are yo-yoing up and down a couple of peaks on the way to Clayton. On the way to Clayton (named Majestic on the Brighton side) you walk up a peak at about 10,200' then down then up to 10,420' back down and then up to Clayton at 10,721' (you could walk around the first two but where's the fun in that?). This is the "backside" of Brighton i.e. east of the resort. 

Here are the pictures (click to enlarge):

Topo with approximate route.

Twin Lakes in Brighton, picture taken
from a bit below 10,420'.

The dogs enjoying space to roam.

...and roaming some more...

For these guys roaming is the meaning of life...

First picture of Lackawaxen from almost the top of Clayton.

View into Snake Creek that will take you all the way down to Midway.

Lackawaxn from Clayton summit with Silver Lake and
Brimhall Lake in the distance.

Down at the lake level i.e. about 10,200'.

Other view - same lake.

There was water everywhere and the dogs sure enjoyed it...

This is the site I used for the morning fire.

"Base camp"

Potential ski lines everywhere...

Leaving the lake behind.

Looking up Clayton on the way out. Notice that all the snow is still
not melted in July. Also, see the ski lines - they are everywhere!

More ski lines, this time under 10,420'.

We followed this creek almost all the way to Bloods Lake.

Bloods Lake so now there are no more than 10 min. left to Guardsman Pass.