We arrived at the trailhead at almost 2pm loaded with all essentials; food, water, first aid kit, map, whistle, headlamp, bear spray, down and shell jacket and of course camera along with variety of filters, two lenses and tripod.

We walked for a couple of miles along the road and was happy to see the junction for the Gill Brook trail. It was a wonderful walk along the brook with mossy trail and scenic waterfalls/cascades to please the eyes and ears.

It was a clear sky which is not the best time to take photos, so we headed straight up to the Indian head lookout. Once we reached the second intersection marked Indian head, the trail starts to get steeper through the area with lots of trail work and stairs. We reached the third intersection where that leads to the Fish Hawk cliffs and Indian head.

Upon reaching the summit, we were in awe with the breathtaking views of Lower Ausable Lake and the slides of Gothics Mountain as well.  The colors were absolutely gorgeous in the fall.

Snowy and Vanderwhacker mountains mark the skyline beyond the deep lake cuts; Colvin and Sawteeth slope steeply into the Lower Lake.

Panorama view from Indian Head CliffPhoto by: Rollo Sicoco

It was already 4pm and the light was still too harsh. Though it was windy and cold, we took some cover under the trees and rested while waiting for sunset.

Photo by Rollo Sicoco. With Armstrong (elev-4,446ft), Upper Wolf Jaw (elev-4,203ft), Lower Ausable Lake (elev-1,950ft) and Lower Wolf Jaw (elev-4,203ft).

As the golden hours started, we begun shooting until twilight. We were the only ones left at the scene. After packing my gear, we headed back through the Lake Road trail. Going down was easy but not a scenic trail like Gill Brook trail. My right knee was already in pain but it didn’t stop me to keep going. This is probably one of the best trail I ever had, the Gill Brook trail going to Indian Head Lookout.

Lower Ausable Lake

Location:

St. Huberts Parking area  44.14976°N / 73.7677°W

Notes:

• Trail begins on private land about 3.3 miles. No drop offs or pick-ups are allowed at the trailhead area/gate.

• No dogs allowed and no camping. One must reach the legal areas to camp outside, where transition from private to public lands are well marked along the trails.

• Bear canisters are requirement from April 1 to November 30. If you don’t have one you will be asked to turn back by a ranger.

• Half of the walk is along Lake Road.

• Sign-in register is that large gate of Lake Road near the ranger cabin.

Check out What Does It Take To Get The Shot: Heart Lake and Lower Ausable Lake video