From Avalanche Lake, we climbed steeply to an unnamed pass above the East Fork Creek Basin.  This was our first view of the endless mountains and vistas of the wilderness.  We next hiked around the top of the basin on narrow, trail ledges and climbed to a second unnamed pass. The meadows we hiked through were a riot of colors with sunflowers, columbines, larkspur, sky pilot and many other flower species. From the second pass we climbed down into the Lead King Basin.  On the way down, I slowed my pace and the others left me behind for a while.  I enjoyed the quiet solitude among the wonderful flowers and vistas.

After descending, we walked on a dirt road for several miles to the trailhead for the climb to Geneva Lake.  It had become quite warm, and the final climb was very difficult.  I climbed very slowly and was the last person to reach the lake.  It was our most difficult day, having hiked 13.4 miles and gained 3,800 feet of elevation.  Geneva Lake was beautiful with the southern sides of Snowmass and Hagerman peaks above it.