The plan was simple: just tackle East Lion. Easy, right? Well, that gully’s exposure gave me all the terrifying vibes, think “hold-on-for-your-life” level scary. I tried scouting for an easier way around on the right side, but somehow, I ended right back in the gully. Apparently, I’m a fan of punishment.
A 90m rappel saved my skin and brought me safely down to the ramp, thank goodness for ropes and gravity doing their thing.
Feeling adventurous (or maybe just having too much time), I hiked up to the saddle of Thomas-East Lion, then back down to check out the tiny lake on the north side. Bonus: it’s the only water source from Enchantment to Harvey Pass, so hydration mission accomplished.
Next up, West Lion summit. It was a people parade up there, hoards of hikers coming and going like a mountain freeway.
With time to spare and optimism still high, I figured, why not loop all the way to Brunswick and catch the sunset? I started descending from West Lion, then tackled Thomas-James-David bumps. Fun fact: I didn’t even know those bumps had names until I got home and checked Bivouac. Surprise geography lesson!
I didn’t make it to Brunswick. Dehydration hit hard. My legs seized up like a clumsy robot, and I nearly choked on my own saliva (not recommended). I took an hour-long nap and berry snack break at Harvey Pass to regroup.
Sat at Harvey summit, soaking in the sunset vibes, then descended in the dark back to my car—moral of the story: always carry enough water and maybe some electrolytes.
The loop? Stunningly scenic. The people? Occasionally questionable. PSA to all backcountry users: please, for the love of nature, don’t leave your trail souvenirs, aka turds and toilet paper, in the middle of the path. Dig a hole, cover it, do your business like a considerate human. Your wildlife neighbors will thank you.
All in all, a day full of unexpected detours, sweat, and lessons learned.
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