Tanglewood-CubCrk-Meridian

Point to point with only a 15 minute drive between trailheads, leave a car at Meridian trailhead and drive to Deer Creek trailhead, Rosalie trail (603) to start.  Hiked this route beginning on a friday at 3pm, from the Deer Creek trailhead staying Right at first intersection onto Tanglewood Creek trail (636).  The first campsite, along Tanglewood creek about 2 miles in, is well established (though technically too close to the creek to be kosher). Surrounded by a pine stand, be aware that sap will be an issue (manageable) on gear/clothes.  day 2, leave camp before 8:30 am for best lunch timing at Roosevelt lakes.  the ascent is very steep but beautiful, so worth taking it slow.  up and over a saddle (12000ft) above treeline leads now on Roosevelt Lakes trail (56) to a huge alpine meadow, close view of Rosalie peak to the left, and an easy descent to Roosevelt lakes where it’s wise to take a long rest (weather pending), lunch and dip in the cold water.  the trail continues north along the North-east shoulder of the mountain and can be somewhat difficult to follow, but look carefully for cairns to follow the trail to a steep descent to intersect with the Bear Track Lakes trail (43).  Head left (West) to Bear Track lakes to camp for night 2.   Well established campsites all along the lake, known for good fishing, this may be a site worth staying 2 nights.  Pack out everything.  this site risks being too attractive to wild animals looking for food if humans regularly leave waste behind.  (Always true, but worth emphasizing here).  The 3rd day hike is long, so leave by 8-9am to plan a 4-5pm arrival at Meridian trail head.  Make sure to have at least 2 liters of water per person for this challenging morning section.  Starting with an easy mile  toward intersections with Cub Creek trail (40) and Bear Tracks trail (43), continue then on a very steep ascent on the Cub creek trail.  Be aware of much sun exposure, the tall forest has mostly fallen (logs everywhere) leaving young conifers and raspberries (late july picking!).  The first “summit” is below treeline and shortly heads down to intersection with Lost Creek trail (42) and Lost Creek - wise to collect (pump) here.  then, up and over another summit, above treeline, it may be necessary to stop for lunch before reaching this alpine meadow.  descending, next to arrive at the meridian trail intersection.  the rest of the hike is a continuous easy slope downward.  through a dense aspen forest, take time to enjoy.  the final mile+ is a long gravely, dry trail down to the Elk Creek and Meridian trailhead to finish the 16.8 mile trip.  Cold foot soak a must before leaving to pick up 2nd car at Deer Creek trailhead.