The Enchantments Traverse Hike Guide
The Enchantments Traverse is one of the most difficult and beautiful day hikes in the United States. The hike starts at either the Colchuck/Stuart trailhead (most popular) or the Snow Lakes trailhead and works over 20 miles to end at the opposite trailhead. The most common way to hike the Enchantments Traverse is starting at Colchuck and ending at Snow Lakes to reduce the amount of elevation gain. This hike is stunning, passing countless alpine lakes, jagged peaks and covering all sorts of terrain including minor scrambling, slow going roots and rocks and perfect single track. This guide will assume a start from Colchuck/Stuart lake and ending at Snow Lakes.
Enchantments Traverse Quick Facts
Enchantments Traverse Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 Stars) – A destination worthy hike
Virtual Trail Guide: The Enchantments Traverse – Day Hike
Distance: 20.3 Miles
Elevation Start: 3,460ft (Colchuck/Stuart) 1,380ft (Snow Lakes)
High Point: 7,845ft (Asgard Pass)
Total Elevation Gain: 5,400ft (Gain), 7,500ft (Loss)
Estimated Time to Complete: 15-17 Hours (One Day), Multiple Days
Difficulty: Strenuous – What does this mean?
Class: Class 2 – What does this mean?
Season: June – October (Expect snow outside of this period)
Check the Weather Forecast -*Note – this hike is point to point over 20 miles and very different elevations, this forecast is for Asgard Pass, the high point. Plan accordingly.
Crowds: Moderate to High – Crowds at Colchuck Lake will likely be the highest. However, once you leave the lake, crowds typically thin quite a bit.
Directions to The Enchantments Traverse
Trailhead: Colchuck/Stuart Lake and Snow Lakes
Getting Here: The Enchantments Traverse is a one way or through hike so it will utilize two different trailheads, Colchuck/Stuart Lake and Snow Lakes. Luckily, both of these trailheads are in the same general direction and not too far from Leavenworth, Washington. Snow Lakes trailhead is lower so you will drive by this one first and then Colchuck/Stuart lake is about a 25-30 minute drive (8 miles) up the road.
Stuart Lake
Snow Lakes
Parking: Parking at both trailheads can be difficult. However, since you are day hiking and need to get to both early, you should not have a problem finding a spot at both. There are a Iimited amount of spots along the road at the Snow Lakes trailhead if the smaller lot is full. Both trailheads have a non-plumbing restroom + a few porta potties, but be sure to bring your own TP.
Shuttle: Since this is a one way hike, many hikers choose to use a shuttle for the Enchantments Traverse. We used the Loop Connector shuttle and I recommend it highly. Although this costs you a bit extra, it saves you valuable time and gives you piece of mind that you don’t need to worry about driving back to a car after a very low day (or multiple).
Permits/Fee: If hiking the Enchantments Traverse in a day, no permit or reservation is needed besides the free one you complete at the start trailhead. However, if you plan on backpacking this hike, a permit is required between May 15 and October 31st. This gives you the option to camp in one of 5 zones: Core Enchantment Zone, Snow Lake Zone, Colchuck Lake Zone, Stuart Lake Zone and Eightmile/Caroline Zone. Read more about this permit + the lottery to obtain one, here. Apparently, it is extremely hard to come by as well.
Summary
Dogs: Dogs are not allowed on the Enchantments Traverse to protect the fragile ecosystem.
Camping: If you do receive a backpacking permit, there are 5 main zones to camp in. You can read more about those here. PLEASE PLEASE please, follow all rules of camping if you are doing so to protect this fragile ecosystem and leave this area beautiful for generations to come.
Water: This hike has water, basically constantly, from start to finish. I would never recommend carrying more than 1L at a time to be the most efficient with your hiking weight.
Make it a Loop: The Enchantments Traverse is a one way hike that will take you the entire day to finish. If you wanted to add other destinations, there are PLENTY of side quests along the way, too many to mention to be honest.
Hike Tip(s): Duration of the Hike
The internet is a great resource. It opens up your mind to possibilities you may have never known existed and inspires people to get outside. However, it also makes things that are very difficult, seem easy or doable. The Enchantments Traverse is a VERY hard day hike. Period. It’s not something to be taken lightly and requires LOTS of time and a prepared hiker. If you are a very experienced hiker who can route find, move up at 1,000 feet per hour at a 45-60 minute pace and know how to navigate scrambling, roots and water crossings – budget at least 15 hours to hike this trail from point to point. If any of these things sound out of your wheelhouse, extreme or you are not familiar, maybe reconsider this hike until you have more experience. This hike sees between 30-50+ rescue calls per year and while calling for help is okay, recreating when you are not prepared, lack fitness or are not experienced enough, is irresponsible. I by NO MEANS what to scare people away from this The Enchantments Traverse but want to ensure that reality is painted in full color.
Trail X Factors: Bugs, Water
This hike is full of water which is great for traveling efficiently but not great for bugs. I would highly recommend multiple kinds of bug spray, long sleeve layers and a bug headnet. We were lucky on the day we hiked that winds were breezy which kept the bugs at bay but even with the winds, the bugs were heavy at times.
Speaking of water, there is PLENTY of that along the entire hike. Safe yourself some weight and pack a water filter (mine is linked below) and carry, at most 1L at a time. You will have ample opportunities to refill. However, with all of this water, expect to get your feet wet and stay wet for the majority of the second half of this hike. If you don’t like wet feet, bring extra socks.
Best Views: I have been fortunate enough to see lots of this country, including some of the most beautiful portions. The Enchantments, the traverse in particular, is up there with the most beautiful I have ever seen. With the exception of the first few miles and last 2-3, this entire hike is absolutely stunning.
Gear Needed
- Men’s Trail Runners
- Hoka Mafate 5
- La Sportiva Cyklon
- La Sportiva Trango Hiking Boots (Men’s)
- Running Vest
- Running Vest Larger
- Backpack (Winter)
- Backpack (Summer)
- Sunglasses
- Base Layers
- T Shirt
- Mid Layer
- Rain Jacket / Shell
- Pants
- Shorts
- Socks
- Food & Water – At LEAST 200 calories per hour of expected time on the trail, 1L per water at a time
- Bug Spray and Bug headnet
- Water Filter
- Optional: Garmin inReach
- Optional: Hiking Poles – 120CM
- Optional: Headlamp
- Optional: Garmin Fenix Watch
- Optional: GoPro, Joby Tripod, Selfie Stick, GoPro Max 2 , Drone, Insta360
- *Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you.