Back to Work and an Enchantments Daydream

Week 1 2026 was rough. Coming back to work after a two-week break was like waking up from a really good nap: groggy, confused, and vaguely angry at whoever invented calendars. Over break I ran 7 miles a day or more and then would sometimes fit in an additional run or afternoon hike. I felt free of stress.

The return to work had me asking myself, "what am I still doing here?" The queston kept nagging me as I cleared my inbox, wrapped up writing a document for leadership review, and then went to connect with a peer about a meeting at the end of the week where we had to co-present. We discussed the preparation needed, but also chatted about break where I mentioned how I was reading Hiking the Wonderland Trail.

This is when he causally mentioned some of the outdoor escapes he had done. He talked about backpacking, and 20 mile float trips where he fished and just soaked up the outdoors. We talked about some of the epic Pacific Northwest Trails and that is where he mentioned how the Enchantments could be hiked in a single day. He talked like a man who had been there. "You start at 4am and hike until 9pm."

Suddenly, it felt like I had a focus for 2026 which would give me the sense of accomplishment I felt no longer existed at work. I thought, : “If he can do the Enchantments in one shot… maybe I can too?”

My brain immediately jumped into overdrive:

• I run. I hike.

• I’m not completely falling apart yet.

• Surely I could do it if he did…?

I bought a map of the Enchantments and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness - The Complete Hiking Guide immediately. I scheduled a lunch meetup next week to learn the details of his hike. I would make the Enchantments a goal for 2026! At 55, I don't imagine it is going to get any easier. There will never be a better year than this year: Carpe Annum!

The Reveal

Later in the week, I needed to follow up with my friend again about the meeting scheduled for the next day. I thanked him for agreeing to meet next week to discuss the details. That is when he exposed my assumption about him having done the hike. "Oh, I will share what I know, but I never did the hike myself."

He drove the shuttle.For his son and his son’s friends.

This man, who had inspired me to reconsider my entire life trajectory, had spent the day at camp or driving back and forth to the trailhead.

While I was dreaming of scrambling up granite slabs, he was probably adjusting the AC and scrolling through playlists. I had a pretty good laugh at myself for getting carried away. And yet, the idea is sticky. It is worth training for. It is worth planning for.

The Moral of the Story

If you return from vacation and spiral into dreams of quitting your job to hike legendary trails…and if your inspiration turns out to be a guy who spent the day in a Subaru Forester…

Lean into it.

Laugh about it. Train anyway. Hike anyway. Buy the book anyway. Even if my original “role model” was reclining in a shuttle waiting at the trailhead.

Hopefully later this year I will be able to report about my real experience in the Enchantments.

If You Go: Day Hiking the Enchantments (The Real Details)

Distance: ~18–20 miles (point-to-point)Elevation Gain: ~4,500 ftElevation Loss: ~6,500 ft (your knees will remember every step)Recommended Direction: Start at Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead → finish at Snow Lakes TrailheadThis avoids climbing the brutally long Snow Lakes route and lets you hit Aasgard Pass going up instead of down.

Route Breakdown

1. Stuart Lake Trailhead → Colchuck Lake

• 4.0 miles, moderate climb

• A gorgeous warm-up with views at the lake that feel like a prelude to something major

• Take a break here—you’ll want it

2. Colchuck Lake → Aasgard Pass

• The infamous 2,000 ft climb in about a mile

• This is where hopes, dreams, and quads go to be tested

• Expect scree, boulders, and creative route-finding

• Not recommended in snow unless you enjoy Type 3 fun

3. Upper Enchantments Basin

• Unreal landscape of granite, tarns, larches, and mountain goats

• This is the reward for all suffering

• The section is rolling, slow, and stunning

4. Enchantments → Snow Lakes

• Long descent through rocky terrain

• Endless switchbacks

• Psychological warfare disguised as a hiking trail

• Snow Lakes themselves are spectacular—if your legs can still look up

5. Snow Lakes → Snow Lakes Trailhead

• Another long, knee-testing descent

• Most people underestimate this part

• Bring snacks—you’ll need emotional support calories

Timing

• Fast, fit hikers: 8–10 hours

• Strong hikers with breaks/photos: 10–14 hours

• Mortals: sunrise to sunset

Start early.Like headlamp-early.

Permits

• No permit required for a day hike

• Overnight permits are extremely difficult to obtain and use a lottery system

Shuttle or Two Cars Required

Unless you want to add several miles on pavement to your total.(Do not do this. Your soul will leave your body.)

Bring

• Trekking poles

• Plenty of water + filter

• Electrolytes

• Layers for unpredictable alpine weather

• A sense of humor for the descent