The last glacial retreat in the Alpine Lakes area began about 14,000 years ago and was north of the Canada–US border by 10,000 years ago. Uplift and faulting in combination with glaciation have been the dominant processes which have created the tall peaks and deep valleys of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area.

Being late into the season, it wasn't the most clear day to trek but the clouds descending on us like fog sure made the hike much more beautiful.

A wild Nandita spotted, trying to make her way on the hike

Lucky to witness some early fall colors with a serene misty backdrop.

Never missing a weird photo-op opportunity haha

And here we reach our first lake - Talapus, tucked in a bowl between Bandera and Pratt Mountain. But hey, we're not rookie hikers so we pushed through another mile to reach ...

... wooded shores of Olallie Lake resting beneath the slopes of West Granite Mountain and Pratt Lake Saddle.

The most special part about the hike was probably the secluded time we got and it felt like having the whole wilderness to ourselves

Memories with @NanditaGupta
Call-out as our first 'solo' hike!