Granite Lakes

The weather was amazing and we felt like getting to something pretty, but close.  Right now there is still loads of snow everywhere, but we've been wanting to sink our teeth into Granite Lakes.  It is really easy to find--I-90, exit 34, left at the end of the ramp. After the truck stop, take a right onto middle fork road.  It will split into a Y and you can go either way, we like the left and follow the river.  If you take a left, you will come to a stop sign.  Take a left and you are almost there.  Just at the end of the paved area will be the trail head for Mailbox.  Wave at the crazies...and you will find the trail head to Granite lakes about  .20  miles on the right.  Look for the blue gate.  We parked on the side of the road as there were already 3 cars there at 9:30 AM.  Make sure you have your discovery pass displayed and head up.   You really can't get lost, the trail is wide and obvious.  About 4 miles up the dirt turns to snow and it get deep fast.  We packed our snowshoes as we read the trip report from April 15th.  We got to the Y for Thompson Lake and Granite Lakes.  We shoe'd a little more to get to 5 miles and decided to stop and have lunch next to Mailbox Peak.
The lakes were about another mile away (the mileage was a bit off calling this a 10 mile hike...we think it's at least at 12) but with the view we had we decided to turn around and head back. I am sure the lakes were beautiful but 10 miles was enough for one day.  The snow was getting super soft and it felt more like ice skating instead of snow shoeing.  Amazing day, amazing lunch, amazing company!  It felt great to get out and stretch the legs.  Can't wait to tackle this again and get to the lakes.

looking down the trail heading to the lakes