K
Kerry
Guest
This route is quickly becoming my favorite. Overcast and misty at the start, and though the trail is a bit wet, it's not as muddy as last month. November colors--that brilliant mossy green punctuating the browns and grays. Ice begins before Bald, but not so that traction is needed. Still ice is hard to distinguish on the wet rock and caution is advisable. The clouds were low and then suddenly above 4000 ft I stood in brilliant, warm sunshine above the fluffy blanket with only the summits of the high peaks visible. Little lake has a thin ice coating. Best views ever from Rocky above the clouds. Trail up Giant muddy, summit crowded. Descent on the ridge trail only moderately wet and muddy, but I expect quite icy early in the morning. Uneventful bike back to the car (who designed that turn at 9/73?). I wore trail runners and short gaiters. Bring traction just in case.
