Enchantments Thru itinerary
Every published mile marker on the Enchantments Thru route, in order, with the distance and elevation change between each one — and which permit each stretch needs. To watch dates and set alerts, go to the Enchantments Through-Hike permit page.
Which permit covers this route
The Enchantments Thru. One reservation is a route gated by a permit issued elsewhere, issued by lottery.
- Stops mapped
- 7
- Across the markers
- 13.0 mi
- Published route length
- 18 mi
- Published ascent
- 4,500 ft
How long it takes: 3-4 days for the Core Zone, per the Forest Service. That is the figure the permit publishes — this page does not divide the route into days, because no source records which stop you sleep at.
The stops below are the route's published mile markers, in order, with the elevations recorded against each one.
Distance and elevation change on each leg are the difference between the two published figures either side of it, so the legs are arithmetic on the markers and nothing more.
The Enchantments Thru route, stop by stop
Mile 0.0
3,399 ft
Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead
The standard start. An Overnight Visitor Parking Pass comes free with the permit and must be displayed on the dashboard.
4.2 miles · 2,101 ft up to Colchuck Lake
Mile 4.2
5,500 ft
Colchuck Lake
Colchuck Lake Zone - three groups per night through the advanced lottery. The last flat ground before Aasgard.
0.8 miles · 2,326 ft up to Aasgard Pass
Mile 5.0
7,826 ft
Aasgard Pass
The steep climb from Colchuck into the Core. The Forest Service warns it is not advised for hikers not prepared and equipped for steep snow travel.
1.0 mile to Tranquil Lake
Mile 6.0
Tranquil Lake
First lake in the Upper Enchantments, set in austere granite moonscape
1.5 miles to Inspiration Lake
Mile 7.5
Inspiration Lake
Heart of the Core Enchantments with classic Teton-like views
1.5 miles to Lake Viviane
Mile 9.0
Lake Viviane
Final major lake before the long descent, surrounded by golden larches in fall
4.0 miles to Snow Lakes
Mile 13.0
5,433 ft
Snow Lakes
Snow Lakes Zone - five groups per night. The long descent out toward Leavenworth.
Getting a Enchantments Thru for the dates you want
Planning the route is the easy half. Enchantments Thru dates go fast, and the ones that come back are cancellations — they return to the booking system without warning and are gone again quickly. PermitSnag watches Enchantments Thru around the clock and alerts you the moment a date opens.