Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
07/17/2021
Your first sight of the stunning Leg Lake cirque.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
07/17/2021
As you get closer, you'll start to see some ponds and small, unnamed lakes below Leg Lake, which lies right at the base of those distant walls.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
07/17/2021
This is the only sign you'll encounter as your draw close to Leg Lake. Don't go toward the Unnamed Lakes and for all splits after this, go right.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
07/17/2021
Or else end up scrambling over some rock slabs as we did!
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
07/17/2021
The walls of the Leg Lake cirque have several established multi-pitch trad routes, though as you can see, there is a ton of possibility for the adventurous first ascenter.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
07/17/2021
Ascending the saddle between the Leg and Stough Creek basins, you'll have to doa little bushwacking. The trail is there and easy enough to spot but is definitely overgrown.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
07/17/2021
After bushwacking, the final push consists of an easy to moderate climb up scree and rock.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
07/17/2021
Earlier in the year, you may have to climb up some snowpack. This is what remained of the snowpack in mid-July on a particularly hot summer so the safe bet is to expect a little snow.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
07/17/2021
At the top of the saddle, the walls of Stouch Creek Basin will come into view.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
07/17/2021
Ta-da! Your first glimpse of the sweeping panorama of Stough in its entirely. No wonder it's such a popular destination!
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
07/17/2021
Wander through the idyllic meadows of the Stough Creek Basin until you find the perfect camp site. Just remember to camp 200 feet from lake shores in a widlerness area.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
07/17/2021
Looking back at the saddle and your descent ridge from the first lake you'll hit upon entering the basin.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
07/17/2021
Enjoy fishign for Brook and Cutthroat Trout in any of the Stough lakes.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
07/17/2021
On the way out from Stough Creek Basin, be sure to glance behind you from time to time for stellar views of Wind River Peak, the highest peak in the Southern Winds.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
07/17/2021
Otherwise prepare yourself for a long, rocky trail out. The grade isn't very steep, but the loose, rocky nature can certainly make it exhausting by the end.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
07/17/2021
After crossing this absurdly large bridge over a swamp, the lack of bridge across Roaring Fork Lake will have you saying, “Really?”