Granite Mountain

We decided on going up Granite Mountain since several other choices had logging operations going on. First patch of snow encountered at the higher avalanche chute and there is still an impressive amount of snow covering the trail higher up. The trail route through the basin and around to the north side of the peak is difficult with no tracks to follow. We proceeded up, following tracks, via the south-east ridge on snow. There is one short boulder area about half way up the ridge, then snow to the lookout. There is no longer any corniced areas just steep snow slopes.
It appears that the Beargrass and other wildflowers, blooming on the south open slope, will be out later this year and the only flowers currently blooming were down lower just near the trees below 4000'.
Going down we passed many unprepared hikers going up with tennis-shoes but boots and gaters recommended, especially in the slushy afternoon snow.
Ralph brought his 11 year old daughter Katie along with us and she did extremely well for her first mountain summit.
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