Our last segment is less grandiose than prior days, but intimate and full of small surprises. On our first ridge we meet a party of northbound hikers from Reno who agree to let us take the vehicle they left at Harrison pass back to Lamoille canyon for them. Return trip problem solved! Here and there a spring appears among the aspen, rock formations sprout from hillsides, and fresh rain showers blow through.

Coffee time

South fork Smith creek

Me at south fork Smith creek

Ann with autumn colors

Vehicle exchange committee

Dayglo aspen

Rainstorms coming

Aspen

Rock piles

Farewell Ruby mountains wilderness

Break before road hike

More storms on the way

Road hiking

Harrison pass trailhead

TREK NC, our ride