Summerland - Panhandle Gap — Sunday, Jun. 27, 2021

Hiked up to Summerland camp on a beautiful Sunday. First weekend Sunrise road was open. Very few people on the trail. Trail was in great shape, except for a few trees down along the trail up to the log bridge crossing at Frying Pan creek, all of which were easy to maneuver around.

From Frying Pan creek up to Summerland camp there was snow covering the trail for at least half of the way. Some minor navigating was needed to stay on the trail. Only lost it once shortly after the bridge where the switchbacks start. Tendency is to continue up the valley after the downed tree but look behind you to the left.and you should see the trail.

We had to cross snow a number of times up the switchbacks. Snow is highly consolidated and hard to kick any steps into. Some edges were solid ice. We used yaktrax which helped with traction which I recommend having some traction gear.

Once above the switchbacks the trail to the shelter is slush.

Some wildflowers were out but give it another 2 weeks and things should be in full bloom.