SUMMARY: Long gravel road to the end. Share the large parking lot with Ingalls Lake and Long Pass. However, the lot is often full.create
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Esmeralda Basin
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Jun 15, 2019
https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/esmerelda-basin
Great easy trail. Total ~1750' and 7 miles RT to the ridge. If you want less elevation gain, just ignore the last 1 mile RT over the hill. However, it's well worth the minimal effort. View is excellent.
The basin is full of Jeffery Shooting Stars. Slightly past prime. Beautiful with the background of Esmeralda Peak (still with snow) across the valley.
Going up the rocky hill offers different varieties of flowers.
Trail in excellent shape.
To extend the hike, you can walk to the right fork to the ridge overlooking Lake Ann, and can drop down to the lake to camp. We didn't do this part.