This picture, looking north from about 13,500 feet shows the route into La Plata Basin, center, we'll take back to the trail head. On the way up, we ascended the west side of the northwest ridge, far left. On the way down, we'll descend the east side of the ridge into the basin. In the distance, left of center, surrounded by golden aspen groves is Hayden Gulch. Behind it, left to right, is Casco Peak, French Mountain and Mount Elbert.