Charity W.
Google
Even after a couple of squalls, the trail was pretty easy to find...I only felt lost once at a switch- back, and All Trails helped me find the snow- covered path. I saw all kinds of animal prints from teeny chipmunk to elk along the way but no wildlife, and it's likely bc the weather was feisty. Note that the parking is not at the trailhead and can be hard to find in winter until the snowplow comes by. The trailhead itself starts with a fairly steep incline starting at the road, and then provides some 45 degree slope terrain - Def consider poles through those of hiking in winter, bc they get to more like 60 degree in some places. Watch for the switchbacks and when you hit the narrow pass through the trees, take a rest bc the last incline is something else. Don't give up, though, bc the summit (with or without a clear panoramic view) is 1000% worth it. I only got glimpses of the view bc 3 squalls manifested in my ascent, but it was OK bc I scrambled on s few of the formations at the peak, noticed the beautiful fossil-like colors in the boulders and trees, and powered up with a snack while tucked inside a cave. The way down goes quickly, and be cautious not to go too fast bc those sneaky angles are not where you want momentum. I highly highly recommend this hike. Def a moderate, in some places more difficult. In winter, take microspikes, poles, and/or crampons and plenty of water. I saw a dog brought on the trail, but I wouldn't recommend it based on all the very fresh and very numerous cat and elk tracks.
