We decided to kick off the first weekend of summer with a trek up Hidden Lake Peaks — and oh, what a glorious day it was!
Road Conditions: The first 1.5 miles are like riding a mechanical bull, but it smooths out after that. I'd recommend a high-clearance vehicle, but of course, we spotted a Prius at the summer trailhead, so it’s possible to make it in a low-clearance car if you’re feeling adventurous.
For our ascent, we chose the winter route and descended via the summer route. Snow on the winter route starts around 5300 feet and becomes consistent shortly after. We had a few minor route-finding shenanigans, but the occasional pink flagging on the trees kept us on track. Snow conditions were fantastic, and most of our group didn’t feel the need for any traction or flotation devices.
On the summer trail, snow starts around 5100 feet, and there's a clear bootpath leading all the way to the lookout. If you’re planning to head to the lookout, I’d recommend bringing an axe, as the route traverses a steep snowfield.
The views from the top? Absolutely spectacular!
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