Circle of Solitude Backpacking Trip

Day 1


August 23, 2014

8.8 miles

Roads End to Sphinx Creek

3748 ft elevation ascent







Day 1 Map
Day 1 route
Day 1 Elevation Profile
Day 1 elevation profile


8/23/2014
I was up at 5:30, and at Roads End at 6:30. I was the first one there!
Sometimes it can take over an hour to get through the process with getting the permit if there is a line. I made a cup of coffee while I waited for the Ranger to arrive. :)
She opened the station at 7am sharp, ran me through the backcountry rules, and I was on the trail by 8am.

The first 2 miles are flat and easy. Then it was tough for the next 5 miles. Mosquitoes were INTENSE along Bubbs Creek. Once I turned off Bubbs to the Sphinx Creek trail the moskies were pretty much gone. It was a STIFF climb up to Sphinx Creek. Really steep. The views were incredible though. I stopped for a 30 minute lunch right on the trail, with views down across the canyons and valley below me. Awesome.

Really wish I could have gotten an earlier start. This section of trail is indeed exposed and HOT. There was no water source between Bubbs and Sphinx Creek, so be sure to carry enough. I had 2 liters and was fine.

I called it the trail of 10,000 stairs. Tough on my legs.... I was TIRED by the time I reached Sphinx Creek! Sphinx Creek has a lot of options for campsites, and most are really nice. I was getting setup when a large group arrived. I really had the only spot for a group that sized, so I gave it to them and picked another spot.



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Day 1 Videos

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Day 1 Pictures