Lovely Lincoln

This was my favorite hike I’ve done all year. With that said most difficult. I decided to stay in Greenleaf Hut as I was dying to see a sunset from Lafayette. I was told by the trail staff not to take falling waters trail up or down on this date due to ice . I had a very heavy pack due to staying in Greenleaf and wanting to enjoy the night . I brought full winter gear as I was expecting a cold night as well. I struggled on the one steep section right before Greenleaf . What should of took me 20 mins took me a hour due to how much pack weight I carried . Once at Greenleaf I dropped my pack and continued onto the peaks as I was committed to not making he trip easier with staying in the hut . I had the shakes in my legs but insisted on pushing through. It was a spectacular view but I only went to the Lafayette and Lincoln as then I was forced to climb Lafayette again to get back to the hut. I had a hard time finding the markers at the peaks but they are there . I utilized all trails map to see what peak I was on too as I did not see summit signs . The top of the peaks are big though and could of even easily missed . I wasn’t stopping at each too long as the winds were very high . I’m not sure what the elevation gain my route was but I do not suggest taking the way I went . If I did this again I would def skip the hut and do the loop Falling Waters to OBP. I thought staying in the hut would be easier and fun but the following day I woke up to the exhaustion from carrying that heavy pack up that elevation . I dreading getting down. I took OBP back down as suggested by staff due to ice / snow that remained on the trail. This was by far the most beautiful hike I’ve done but I highly suggest researching the loop. The ridge is deceiving of how difficult is . Start early and bring a head lamp so you don’t feel rushed .