Lost Horizon
“Here we are at one of the most beautiful places on earth. Bright blue water that fills the lakes and illumines the soul. Streams that ebb and flow, a sound capable of draining out all distractions. Surrounded by pristine mountain cathedrals that never fail to inspire. A place where wildlife goes to retreat. There is no easy way to get here and that is what makes it so special.”
-Blake Bowers Journal Entry July 5th, 2026
Basically, there are two ways in. One is a long 12km slog, and the other is a shorter 3km hike up and over a pass—but it requires driving a long, treacherous road to get there. Last year we did the long slog, so this year we figured we’d try the short way. We quickly found out why most people stick with the slog after driving through three creeks and a bunch of washed-out sections.
Still, we were bound and determined. With the 4Runner we forged ahead until we hit several feet of snow blocking the road. We were close enough to the trail head though, so we parked and started hoofing it. We kick-stepped our way up to the top of the pass only to find out that our destination in the valley below was still thawing out.
Taking our first descending steps on the glacier, we carefully moved our way across the steep section. Once we got through that part, the rest was boot-scooting and butt-sliding our way into one of our favorite places. Even though lots was still covered in snow, we were in awe of the environment that surrounded us. Here we were, enclosed by inspiring peaks with unbelievably blue alpine lakes, streams that connect them, birds and flowers. The only exposure we had to the hustlin’ bustlin’ outside world was the occasional distant drone of an airplane passing 30,000 ft above our heads.
We moseyed our way around until landing on a camp spot next to the water and hunkered down for the night. Arising the very next day, we were met with a moon setting behind the golden glowing peaks. An experience that quickly pulls one out of any inner dialog that has to do with worry.
After smashing that capture button and scurrying around for “the shot,” Ry and I enjoyed our coffee and brekkie near the water, packed up, and headed out. A stay that was short and sweet but well worth the effort.
Thanks for reading! If you made it to the end, drop a comment down below. I want to do more blog posts and spend more energy creating on here than scrolling the socials. If you want to be notified when I make these posts, you can go here: https://www.blakebowers.com/contact to sign up for the email list.
-Blake ૐ
