Backpacking with Lux. Bear Lakes trail. Mt. Zirkel Wilderness. August 2022

A three day, 2 night backpack with Lux back into the Zirkel Wilderness.  I did this hike as a very long day hike two years ago, and the weather looked good in that area for Wed-Fri, so I decided to repeat the trail, only this time backpacking.  Total hiking, 17 miles; 9 miles RT with backpack; 8 mile day hike up to Ute Pass and the continental divide, and Bear Lakes.  Saw only one other person….a lost backpacker…a long story but I straightened him out and sent him on his way….he was in a bit over his head….57 pound pack, plus 13 pounds of camera gear, a dead cell phone, no map, separated from his three friends, and a way too ambitious hiking itinerary.  Gave him some old guy advice, told him how to find his friends and sent him on his way.   No news stories about lost hikers, so I assume he made it.  Beautiful wildflowers especially in the upper reaches of the trail.