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This was a beautiful and enjoyable loop of about 10 miles and 2800 vertical. We started at the Basin parking lot and climbed past Hermit Falls to Rim Junction, then proceeded along the Basin Rim Trail over West Royce. After deciding we didn't have enough time for a side trip to East Royce, we dropped down the Royce Trail (past more beautiful waterfalls), which goes to Brickett Place south of Evans Notch. From there it was a short road walk back to our car.
We met a trail crew on the Royce Trail, and they do have their work cut out for them, as the Basin Rim Trail over West Royce and the upper section of the Royce Trail are badly overgrown. The upper Royce Trail is so hard to follow in places especially with leaves covering it that I would not recommend it for anyone without a good sense for finding an obscure treadway. It is also very steep and eroded. But the trip was very worthwhile--the Basin Rim is spectacular, and this is one of my favorite areas.
We met a trail crew on the Royce Trail, and they do have their work cut out for them, as the Basin Rim Trail over West Royce and the upper section of the Royce Trail are badly overgrown. The upper Royce Trail is so hard to follow in places especially with leaves covering it that I would not recommend it for anyone without a good sense for finding an obscure treadway. It is also very steep and eroded. But the trip was very worthwhile--the Basin Rim is spectacular, and this is one of my favorite areas.
