Cutthroat Lakes via Walt Bailey Trail — Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021

Day hike Saturday October 30. 

Figured Cutthroat Lakes was a reasonably Halloween-themed selection for a beautiful sunny holiday weekend. And Bald Mountain- Uncle Fester (or Billy Corgan?) you decide. 

While there is an impressive amount of crushed gravel this hike has no shortage of oft footing. Mud, frozen mud pits, ice, ice logs, rocks, boulders, high steps, iced high steps, iced rocks, you name it. No hair ice suprisingly, but a good assortment of more traditional fungi. Poles are essential for this trail.  I actually opted to wear microspikes all the way from the summit to my truck. As to move freely without accident. 

Mostly a quiet day, observed 12 others in total including two unsuccessful bear hunters. I actually didn't see anyone until the junction for Bald Mountain, which is improved with a neon pink flag. There is notable snow after Upper Cutthroat that goes all the way to the summit. I got lost on my initial ascent for the ridge, it helps to go left (and up a rock) at an orange flag near the end of Upper Cutthroat. Going right sends you around a boulder and up a drainage to nowhere, far from the correct route. 

I hiked to approximately 50f below the summit of Bald Mountain and called it good. Winds were picking up and I was solo, also no others around so it didn't seem like a good idea. Conditions on the rock are ok if you are comfortable with this type of scrambling. Most of the snow at this point is neglible and was quickly melting out in the sun. 

That being said views are really great, especially south to Spada Lake. I saw a type of eagle or hawk floating around the summit and then make its way towards Vesper Peak and back twice without moving its wings. 

RT 9.41m/2452ft