Red Mountain

With a definite chill in the air and the site of snow on the distant peaks, we decided to try and fit in a final autumn scramble, knowing we'de hit some snow along the way. Red Mountain seemed like a good choice for a surprizingly blue bird day, but we brought microspikes and poles along for potential snow/ice. First day trip car in the parking lot at 8am. Hiked the PCT with light snow on the trail. The snow became a bit more substantial at 4200 ft (3 inches or so). The small streams were frozen solid in the Commonwealth Basin on the way in. Poles were helpful for balance and navigating the ice on the crossings, etc. Decided to put on traction devices when we approached the saddle at the junction of the climbers trail and started up to the summit. The trail was obvious about the first 25% on the way up. Cairns were sometime visible but often buried. The climbers trail then became difficult to find. The snow was about 5-6 inches deep and there was no ice beneath the snow until we hit about 5600 ft. The trail was tough to follow, steep, and the going got a bit more risky because there was ice, talus frozen in place, and snow covered slabs. We carefully navigated our way up to within 200 ft from the summit and decided to turn around. It had taken about an hour to get from the saddle to 5650ft. We descended safely and carefully, avoided body and rock falls. The hike out was beautiful and uneventful. Would suggest going back when the snow has vanished whether it be this year or most likely next summer. The views going up and the tranquility of a popular area with nobody in site today were worth the effort. No need to summit today!