Before leaving the car, we snapped the requisite group photo and then broke out the packs. The trailhead starts at just under 8000ft elevation. It always concerns me when I drive directly to high elevation from sea level without a proper acclimation time. Although I have gone directly to 10000ft several times without incident, studies show that this doesn't guarantee your next trip won't be different. In fact, your fitness level and prior track record is a poor predictor of how you will react. One day, I could be hammering out the run miles with a cardiovascular condition far exceeding my current level, go to a place I've been to before without issue, and become ill. This is one of the things that frustrates scientists that study mountain sickness. With this in mind, I generally prefer to stay at least one day at 6000+ feet to help us adjust.

This trip was of particular concern as people under the age of 18 are more likely to get mountain sickness and I had no experience with Brett's tolerance for high altitude. Andra is also sensitive to elevations above 7500ft and must take Gingko before each high altitude trip. I gave some Ginko to Brett the day we left and luckily there was also some in his kids vitamins that Walt gives him everyday.

The trail is basically a continuous climb to over 9300ft at Poop Out Pass before descending to 9022ft at Jennie Lake.

Shortly after leaving Fox Meadow you reach the Weaver Lake and Jennie Lake trail fork. This part of the trail is easy with only short uphill sections.