Humphreys Basin 2025
Elba Lake to Royce Lakes
Saturday, August 16, 2025
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Beautiful
day after the rain! Started on trail, then went off trail to
Royce Lakes over easy terrain. After all of the tough terrain, of
course I had my worst fall while not paying attention at Royce Lake 1
(they are numbered starting at the lowest lake, which is Royce Lake
0). Some cuts on my leg but nothing serious. Large sandy
campsite between large talus at Royce Lake 3, with a white-tailled
ptarmigan family nesting nearby (we thought they were grouse, but
further research proved otherwise).
Journal Entry: Started walking at 8:30, clear night and clear skies in the morning. Trail down into French Canyon, then followed that trail up to 11,000ft where we turned left and headed toward Royce Lakes. Visited three of the lakes, camped at the one right at Royce Pass (tomorrow’s start). A grouse family is nesting near our campsite but they don’t seem upset. Clouds building but not as serious as yesterday. Still a fair amound of blue sky at 1:15. (later) no rain, just scattered dark clouds. Saw quite a few people in this basin, including a couple intending to climb Merriam Peak tomorrow, North Buttress route. Popular basin. Lots of pikas!
 reflections in Elba Lake in morning |
 Royce Falls |
 trail sign |  view down French Canyon |
 Pilot Knob over French Canyon |  Steelhead Pass, Star Col, Puppet Pass, Pilot Knob over French Canyon |
 Elba Lake, Puppet Lake, Puppet Pass |  slope heading for Royce Lakes, Merriam Peak and Royce Peak |
 Royce Merriam Saddle over Royce Lake 1 |  Mt. Humphreys and Royce Lake 1 |
 Merriam Peak over Royce Lake 2 |  white-tailed ptarmigan nest at campsite |
 Feather Peak over Royce Lake 3 |  campsite at Royce Lake 3 |