When the trail climbs sharply into a rocky, scrubby area about three-quarters of a mile from the outlet stream, keep a sharp lookout for marmots. These chubby little fellows, otherwise known as rockchucks, will usually perch on top of a rock and will occasionally whistle to one another until intruders scare them back into their burrows. If you spot one as you approach the rocky area, stop and remain still. They will often linger out in the open longer if you give them some distance. Pausing also allows your children the opportunity to see them.
Marmots can be very friendly at times.
I've had them follow me from rock to rock as I walked along the trail. But they vanish in the rocks as soon as you invade their comfort zone. About a quarter-mile past the rocky area the trail passes an avalanche zone. Evidence of past snowslides down the slopes of 11,144-foot Rockchuck Peak will be obvious. Here, all the trees have been swept clean off the mountainside almost to the valley floor.