Hancocks - which way?

[shamples]

So possibly hitting the Hancocks this weekend. Once you get to the loop junction, is there a preference to hit Hancock first and then the South Peak? Or hit the South Peak first? Does it matter at all since they both sound steep. Personally I am better on the ups than the downs so I usually don't mind steep going up. I always dread going down.

And a few reports says its tough to follow the trails in a couple spots, is that true?

 

[Kevin Rooney]

Go left, and hit North first. It's a bit steeper and so easier to do on the ascent. Easier is relative though, as these are a couple of steep hills. North also has a better view, so I prefer to have lunch on that peak.

 

[hikerfast]

if you want some thrills, when you get to the junction, go down and to the left some and its not far to the arrow slide. its fun to go up that. when you get to the top of the slide, go right and the trail isn't far at all.

 

[arghman]

One important thing to add: the loop trail up South Hancock is steep but basically solid rock/ledge. The loop trail up North is steep and has lots of scree/gravel. (Kind of like the South Tripyramid Slide but not as steep/long) I can't remember which is steeper.

When I did it last June, I went counterclockwise (up South, down North); I didn't find it too difficult but it was a little wet out & when I went down North, the trail was sliding downhill as I walked on it. I didn't have any major problems but someone might find that disconcerting.

There may have been some trailwork since then (can't remember).

 

[Double Bow]

There may have been some trailwork since then (can't remember).

They have done MAJOR trailwork on the north loop. It was in progress when I was there last July and complete when I went again in September. The north loop is no longer a loose mess. They installed many stone steps to slow down the masive errosion that the trail was experiencing. Of the four times I've done the Hancocks, I went up South first three times. I perfer to save the best view for the end of the climb and going down the north loop isn't dangerous anymore.

 

[evilhanz]

Double Bow is right. The trail is much improved. All of the eroded sections have been cleaned up. It feels like a completely different trail. The first time I hiked it after the trail work, I was surprised at how easy it seemed. My preference is still to hike it in a clockwise direction, but you no longer need to worry about the steepness of the north end.

Here is a photo of some rock steps on the north end of the loop:

 

[bintrepidhiker]

i'm gonna agree with most of the crowd here when i say go up north and come down south. with the loose gravel all around on the north slope i would think it would be safer to go up this way. coming down on south wasn't that bad. I'm like you with the preference of going up the hard stuff and coming down on easier grades. i did this route last month and thats what i did.

 

[Mike P.]

I have been both ways, as far as the route goes, I prefer going up North & coming down South. As far as the view goes, I prefer ending on North with the better view. (oddly the three times I've been, I ended on North the time that had the worse views - some of the people who have hiked with me might not think that was odd at all )

If great views expected all day, go up South, if no views, go up North. If early views but expected to disappear, go up North, If weather is clearing, go up South

 

[pedxing]

I was going to say exactly what Mike P. said, but less succinctly. Well put!

 

[shamples]

Great stuff, thanks for all the tips and info!

 

[Squashman]

I hope you will post a trip and/or trail condition report as my son and I plan to do this hike on Tueadsy next. Hope you have a fun day

 

[shamples]

yes, just posted my Trip Report for this in Trip reports. Awesome day.