Backpack the Fortress Cirque

No better way to watch the stars with friends than huddled up in your sleeping bag on top of a 3000m summit. This describes the bivy at The Fortress.

Starting at the Chester Lake Trailhead, take the unmarked trail on the right side of the parking lot. These winter cross-country ski trails take you SE until you come to a damaged bridge. Cross the logs and up the slight hill and there is a clearly flagged trail to the left into the forest. This trail will take you to the Headwall Lakes.

This set of 3 alpine tarns at increasing elevation are stocked with cut-throat trout. If you register your fish you'll have a great evening meal! Follow along the streams up the beautiful waterfall. After admiring this sight, carry on to the Col that leads you to the summit ridge.

Following the obvious low col gives you the first look down to the Chester Lake valley you'll return home on. Following the ridge leads you to The Fortress. A beautiful flat summit giving a view to countless high Rocky Mountains and Hwy 40 - A perfect open air bivy to take in the stars.

After enjoying a summit sunrise and a cup of coffee, head back down the ridge to the low col. Head to the right this time down a steep scree slope. Follow along the scree band further down the valley until you come upon Chester Lake. This is another stocked pond and a great place for a rest - or a swim if you're daring enough! There is a well maintained trail leading back to the parking lot from here. The cirque is finished!