EPIC conditions and amazing bluebird day! We got to the Longmire gate around 8:45, not at first remembering that it opens at 9, but we didn't have to wait long. Got a great spot right at the visitor's center, but the crowds were in a not so slow trickle the whole time we were there. It was very busy, and sometimes felt a little cluttered on the trail with all of the people skiing/snowshoeing. The weather was honestly hot... I think layering would be absolutely key - I would have been fine in a t-shirt! The sun was very warm and it made the snow glisten which was very lovely. The snow wasn't fresh and medium-crunchy, so I wouldn't expect any powdery conditions in the next few days with all of the sunshine. We went up to Glacier Vista and turned around - we didn't feel the need to follow everyone and climb up super high. We felt the views were perfect from where we were and we weren't skiing down so we were happy!
Overall, a lovely day and great snowshoe. The road was icy, even in a 4Runner, we slipped. Make sure you have chains if you don't have 4 wheel drive/approved tires.
This was way harder than I remembered, so if you're more of a beginner and want something more leisurely, I would maybe skip this trail and explore around the visitor's center - there are some nice areas that are a little flatter.
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