One of my favorite hikes.

I began the hike to Belknap Crater at 7:20 am. I was expecting clear skies and sunshine, but you never know what will happen in the mountains. It was gloomy, almost as if rain was on the horizon. About halfway into the hike, blue skies appeared, and eventually the sun came out. The hike had a few snow fields to cross that were very manageable. The hike to the top of Belknap Crater required some improvising. The trail was visible at the bottom, but around the halfway point, it was snow-covered. I didn’t bring my micro spikes (kicking self), so I carefully chose my route to avoid steep areas and potential tree wells. I did my best to find snowless ground. I was thankful when I reached the westerly side of the crater, as the last quarter of the steeper portion of the trail leading to the top was snow-free. Overall, it was a great day. I enjoy this hike. It’s so different. When I was almost back to my car, an older man was hiking in with his skis strapped to his pack. He said he skis the crater every year and that he was earning his beers. It would’ve been a hoot to see him in action.

Note: You can hike to the top on the east side snow-free, but it’s steep, and a lot of loose volcanic sand makes it very slow going.