Granite Mountain — Friday, Jun. 7, 2024

I really enjoy this hike for its scenery and openness on the upper part of the mountain.  I came today and hiked up to the lookout.  I always forget how strenuous the first half or so is.  There were a few wildflowers blooming though not at peak yet.  After breaking out above the trees there were snowfields visible.  There were patches on the trail starting around 4,700 feet or so.  There was a larger snowfield at the sign that says “main trail” and points right.  I went left instead as this trail was exposed, and followed it up to the ridgeline.  From here I could see the entire backside is still snow covered.  I stayed on the ridgeline, mostly hoping through the talus as it seemed safer than the quickly melting snowfield on the north side.  There is a cornice on the final push to the top, best to stay away from the edge.  I made it to the lookout and ate some snacks before heading back down.  I saw many more people headed up as I headed down.