The entire basin is above 10,000 feet! We hiked to Swasey Lakes and the trail crested well above 11,000 feet. Hiking and camping that high really gives you a feel of raw nature, as you have a very real danger of getting struck by lightning and the weather changes in a matter of minutes! We went over Labor Day and the weather was very variable, but not too cold. It rained off and on the whole trip. Temperature range was high 30s to high 60s. Plenty of fishing, lots of nice camping spots. We found quite a few spots around Swasey lakes to fit our group of 5 tents!