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Beartooth Aero Lakes Trip Conquers Snow, Trails in 4 Days

Source: backpacker.com

TL;DR

Brent Umphlett and brother completed 4-day backpacking trip to Aero Lakes in Beartooth Mountains.
Navigated unmarked junctions and 900-foot scree climb to camp at Lower Aero Lake after 6 hours.
Explored multiple alpine lakes amid lingering snow, succeeding after two years of delays.

The story at a glance

Brent Umphlett and his brother backpacked 11.9 miles over 4 days in Montana's Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, reaching Aero Lakes despite trail confusion and steep terrain. They started from the upper Lady of the Lake trailhead in late July 2019, finally succeeding after persistent snow blocked prior attempts. The report details their route, campsites, and lake explorations for other hikers.

Key moments & milestones

Day 1: Left upper Lady of the Lake trailhead, took wrong fork at unmarked Star Creek/Zimmer Creek junction, backtracked, crossed creek via boulders, climbed 900 feet in a mile over scree to Lower Aero Lake in 6 hours, camped at southern end.
Day 2: Woke to thin ice on lake, circled Lower Aero Lake, followed outlet past two waterfalls to Upper Aero Lake basin.
Day 3: Returned to Upper Aero Lake, scrambled scree and snow to Rough Lake, Shelter Lake, and Lone Elk Lake.
Day 4: Hiked out via correct trail from Lower Aero Lake.

Signature highlights

Trip rated 4/5 stars, rated difficult, total 11.9 miles in Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.
Initial route error at unmarked junction led to off-trail scree climb; actual trail offers slightly better footing.
Campsite at Lower Aero Lake had tight fit for two-person tent but prime views of snow-draped Glacier Peak, Mt. Villard, and The Spires.
Upper Aero Lake featured bright cobalt water in metamorphic rock basin framed by peaks.
Lingering snow and morning ice persisted into late July despite two prior years of failed attempts.
Explored four additional lakes with varied mountain vistas via scrambling.

Why it matters

Alpine areas like the Beartooths draw hikers for remote lakes and peaks but demand navigation skills amid unmarked trails and scree. Readers planning trips gain precise route corrections, campsite details, and challenge expectations for Aero Lakes. Watch for summer snow reports and junction cairns on future visits.