Stanley Lake 2012

 McGown Peak

We've been wanting to check out the Stanley Basin area for quite some time now and with the current heat wave going on, we figured it was time.

Hiking to Lady Face Falls.

 Feeding frenzy at the fish hatchery in Stanley.

With no campsite reservations, we were pretty much winging it. Sure, there are plenty of roadside campsites off the highway but of course, that wouldn't work for us. Our first stop was at the over populated Redfish Lake area. Like we figured, no luck. That was fine by me because that place is like Vegas in the mountains – it kind of sucked (for camping, at least). So, going on a tip from my Sawtooth-stompin' friend Marc, we headed to Stanley Lake and scored big time (thanks bro!).

Britt and Madi on the lake at sunset.

Hiking the south shore trail around Alturus Lake.

 Chillin' like villains at the "da beach".

Stanley Lake has to be THE most beautiful car camping area I've ever been to. It's unreal. McGown Peak sits above the lake and the water, land, and skies are filled with wildlife. From catching frogs to watching osprey dive bomb the water for a meal to watching the glassy lake come alive at dusk with hungry fish are just a few things the kids loved.

Starting the Lady Face Falls hike.

Post dinner dip in the lake, complete with brain freeze.

The sign says it all.

"Bonzai"!

We spent 4 days at the lake and each day was pretty much: Get up, go hiking and exploring while it was cool, then in the heat of the afternoon, head down to the lake and soak up the alpine sunshine while taking turns dipping in the cool lake. Let me tell you, it was hard to leave. I even think Izzy-dog was reluctant to do so.

The reluctant Sand Dog.