Trail: The trail starts with some switchbacks until you come through the pass to Manzanita Flats. The first 4-5ish miles are fairly straightforward as the path is well-defined. Snow coverage started at about 7,200 feet and became a problem when it obscured the trail between Manzanita Flats and the Limber Pine campground. Be sure to keep your phone/gps device powered up to keep you on course. Trail was completely snow-covered for most of the ascent after Limber Pine. We were able to navigate it with staff/trekking poles, weather-proof hiking shoes and stubbornness, but the snow was knee to waist deep for much of the final push and was fairly loosely packed. We gave up on keeping to the trail at about 9,500 feet and just carved a line straight to the top.

Snow: Heavy coverage from Limber Pine to the peak. Where it wasn’t loose enough to depress a calf-high footprint, it was hard to get good purchase because the powder was slippery and the slope was steep. Be very mindful about where you plant your feet.

Gear: I was equipped with hiking sneaks, a pair of trekking poles, and microspikes. The poles were essential to test the depth and density of the snow. They also kept me from slip-and-sliding on some of the steeper traverses. The spikes were useful in a couple patches of ice but they weren’t strictly necessary. Snow shoes would have been better. My companion brought only a set of hiking boots and found a fallen tree branch to use as a staff. We both made the ascent and descent without few issues.

Supplies: We wanted to travel lean, so we had a light breakfast and between the two of us, we carried two apples, four bananas, two protein bars, 3.5 oz. of beef jerky, trail mix, and a couple of candy bars. We left with some of the jerky, the trail mix, and one candy bar. I had about 1.5L of water that I rationed for the trip. The last 1,000 feet of elevation left me parched, but after drinking some water with an electrolyte tab thrown in at the top, I still walked out with 300mL. My friend brought and drank a 2.5L bladder before we finished.

Summit: Absolutely beautiful views from the peak and it was completely worth the time put in. Total time in the forest: 12 hours. Total hiking time: 6.5 hours up, 4 hours back.

Enjoy, and be careful!