The trail to Haystacks lake is strenuous. The total elevation gain is only 900m and 14km long but it's deceptive because there is alot of up and down. If you keep your pack under 35lbs (including food and water) it will be alot easier on you. Theres is some route finding but I'm familiar with the trail.

The trail follows a forest valley to mystical goat lake, from there we climb up the valley to the pass and hike along the mountain ridge over Boxcar Mountain. We cross over the mountain plateau and descend into a hidden valley where we leave the park. There is a steep climb out of the valley to summit on the other side. We then have to go through this mountain gate framed by obelisks (for real) where it feels like the gate to Shangrila and there should be some monks guarding it. We cross another remote snowy valley including some scree on the other side and descend into Haystackes Lakes. The views are spectacular and the adventure is well worth it.