Ed'n Lauky
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 15, 2007
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Date of hike: 11/07/09
There was a sprinkling of snow at the trailhead in the morning that gradually increased with altitude. By 3000' it covered the trail. On the way back it was mostly gone below 2700'.
Ice on the trail became evident between 2700' and 3000'. Above the Mispah cutoff it became a real factor.
The Webster Cliff trail up Pierce was covered with snow but ice free. Going over to Ike ice was a factor heading down from Pierce and in the early stages of the climb but once above the tree line it was not significant.
Going up Ike there was a short section of trail where the drifting was up to two feet deep.
There was a good wind on the top of Eisenhower, but not the blow you down type. It was quite doable.
As for blowdowns, there was a new one on the trail fairly near the trailhead that was easily stepped over. Above the Mizpah cutoff around 3700' there is a major multi-tree blowdown that forces you to crawl under. My pack stuck both ways, but I was able to get under. It is located in a spot where a bushwhack around would be quite difficult.
It was beautiful when we reached the top of Pierce. It had clouded over by the time we reached Eisenhower, however, the sun came out again as we returned to Pierce.
I would recommend light traction above the Mizpah cutoff. The traction will also be helpful for the first section heading over to Eisenhower.
We had the trails to ourselves all the way to Eisenhower. Met a number of people on the way back. All in all it was a very enjoyable day.
[email protected]
There was a sprinkling of snow at the trailhead in the morning that gradually increased with altitude. By 3000' it covered the trail. On the way back it was mostly gone below 2700'.
Ice on the trail became evident between 2700' and 3000'. Above the Mispah cutoff it became a real factor.
The Webster Cliff trail up Pierce was covered with snow but ice free. Going over to Ike ice was a factor heading down from Pierce and in the early stages of the climb but once above the tree line it was not significant.
Going up Ike there was a short section of trail where the drifting was up to two feet deep.
There was a good wind on the top of Eisenhower, but not the blow you down type. It was quite doable.
As for blowdowns, there was a new one on the trail fairly near the trailhead that was easily stepped over. Above the Mizpah cutoff around 3700' there is a major multi-tree blowdown that forces you to crawl under. My pack stuck both ways, but I was able to get under. It is located in a spot where a bushwhack around would be quite difficult.
It was beautiful when we reached the top of Pierce. It had clouded over by the time we reached Eisenhower, however, the sun came out again as we returned to Pierce.
I would recommend light traction above the Mizpah cutoff. The traction will also be helpful for the first section heading over to Eisenhower.
We had the trails to ourselves all the way to Eisenhower. Met a number of people on the way back. All in all it was a very enjoyable day.
[email protected]
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