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The Enchantments Traverse
Hiking Trail
Hard
17.92 mi
5,033 ft
A stunning hike through the Enchantments outside of Leavenworth.
"In the Enchantments, nature has carved one of the magnificent places of this world--an alpine paradise of granite worn smooth by glaciers, larches manicured by wind and cold, and crystal blue lakes strung together by a creek that tumbles and thunders between them,” writes Paul Kriloff on []( This stunning mountain range cannot be summed up with superlatives—it must be seen to be believed.
The best way to experience this epic mountain range is here, on the Enchantments Traverse. This 18-mile point-to-point traverse climbs up and over the heart of the mountain range, affording you the opportunity to soak in the grandeur of the Enchantments.
The Traverse runs through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, and as you might guess—it passes by a stunning array of glacial-fed lakes. The crystal-blue water of theses rare gems may beckon you to take a swim, but be warned: the water is literally ice-cold!
While this route could theoretically be completed in one day, most people break it up into a short 2-3 backpacking trip coupled with a car shuttle between trailheads. On the other hand, fit trail runners often choose to run the entire route in one go.
Sources:
Written by Greg Heil
"In the Enchantments, nature has carved one of the magnificent places of this world--an alpine paradise of granite worn smooth by glaciers, larches manicured by wind and cold, and crystal blue lakes strung together by a creek that tumbles and thunders between them,” writes Paul Kriloff on []( This stunning mountain range cannot be summed up with superlatives—it must be seen to be believed.
The best way to experience this epic mountain range is here, on the Enchantments Traverse. This 18-mile point-to-point traverse climbs up and over the heart of the mountain range, affording you the opportunity to soak in the grandeur of the Enchantments.
The Traverse runs through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, and as you might guess—it passes by a stunning array of glacial-fed lakes. The crystal-blue water of theses rare gems may beckon you to take a swim, but be warned: the water is literally ice-cold!
While this route could theoretically be completed in one day, most people break it up into a short 2-3 backpacking trip coupled with a car shuttle between trailheads. On the other hand, fit trail runners often choose to run the entire route in one go.
Sources:
Written by Greg Heil
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to Stuart / Colchuck trail junction | 2.47 mi | 1,086 ft | 8.3% |
| Trailhead to Colchuck Lake | 3.96 mi | 2,198 ft | 10.5% |
| National Forest Development Road 7601 Climb | 0.83 mi | 312 ft | 7.1% |
| National Forest Development Road 7601 Climb | 1.57 mi | 817 ft | 9.8% |
| National Forest Development Road 7601 Climb | 1.20 mi | 728 ft | 11.4% |
| National Forest Development Road 7601 Climb | 0.70 mi | 410 ft | 11.0% |
| Asgard Pass | 1.20 mi | 2,238 ft | 35.3% |
| Asgard Pass | 1.36 mi | 2,205 ft | 30.6% |
| Steep descent from Lake Viviane to Upper Snow Lake | 1.33 mi | -1,329 ft | -18.8% |
| Upper Snow Lake (West) down to TH | 8.24 mi | -4,203 ft | -9.5% |
| Nada Lake to TH | 5.47 mi | -3,533 ft | -12.0% |
| 20 Switchbacks of Disenchantment | 0.87 mi | -735 ft | -15.9% |