Snowy Hot Springs

A barely planned hike that quite unexpectedly enjoyable. It started with 5 people then 4 and eventually ended up in 3.
Due to the recent rains and low temp, it can be assume that there may be some ice/snow. Brought my micro spikes along with extra layers for warmth and my hot tea.This time, i purchased the permit online, $1 difference instead paying by the gate is more stress free for me than my previous experience with the neighbor’s dogs (I wasn’t attacked but felt like I was about to).

The temp at the trailhead about quater to 8am was at mid 30s, cold but not through the bone like of cold. Knowing the trail, it wont take long to start hitting the incline and warm us up quickly. The sky is clear and sun is up snd bright.

Before  1 mile (0.90 to be exact), some snow patches are now visible along the sides of the trail. As we kept going, the trail is now started to be covered with snow. I believed in 1.3-1.5miles, the trail is 100% covered all the way to the top. This is when all the fun started, we got excited taking photos of most of the trees and the snowy landscape.  I can’t get enough photos of the icicles glistening in the trees. The shruberries and trees are not fully enveloped with snow but mostly covered, for me, the contrast is just gorgeous.

In all honestly, in as much as the trail is beautiful today, hiking on snow covered trail still my least favorite, one mile or so is all fun but enduring 10 miles walking on it plus navigating our way round to find the summit is a bit challenging.

Some areas are packed with snow but not sleek for microspikes. Somes areas a little powdery but I think wearing snowshoes can be overkill but better to be prepare. We saw about 3 people had their snowshoes on their way down. We just had our hiking shoes and we were fine. I only fallen once 😂 coming down from the summit area before the ‘saddle’.

On our way back, most ice/snow are started to melt and falling from the trees and the trail started to feel slushy. I’m assuming if the temp rises more, the snow on the trees will be gone by tomorrow but there should be some snow and may be very wet. 

Another fun hike then we headed out to Dudley