📍 Trail Information
-
Permit Required?: Yes. Interestingly permits are limited by number of groups, not group size. We were able to add on a couple additional members to our group the day-of and paid at the ranger station when picking up our permits.
- Bear canisters are given out by the ranger station when you go to pick up your permits. Our group of 11 got allotted 3 canisters since they were running low. At camp, we built (then broke down at the end) a little marmot-proofing shelter for our food that wouldn't fit in the canisters, which seemed to work as nothing got in. If you're worried about varmints I would suggest bringing a canister from home as there are no trees to sling up food at any of the campsites.
🌤 Conditions
-
Weather: Sunny all 3 days. Snow got soft around 10am, perfect for crampons. We camped at the lower camp area that overlooks Johannesburg Mountain, and did not feel pressured to summit by any particular time.
-
Trail Conditions: Super obvious bootpack once you get to the snowy sections. Easily avoidable crevasses, only one notable one we put protection in for really. Route finding was a little bit interesting on the way down the boulderfield but we found our way without much effort by following the cairns. Rest of the trail was great. River was super low for the initial river crossing, you could honestly wade through it and it would only come up to your mid-shin. On the trail, we encountered about 6 different types of berries, all in abundance!
-
Water Availability: Streams running through all 3 common camp areas.
-
Bugs/Wildlife: Some, but easily dealt with with bug spray.
🥾 Gear & Logistics
-
Gear Highlights: Crampons / ice ax needed, would recommend ropes and pickets if you're with a less-experienced group. We saw several teams of 2 make it up without roping up. No ice screws needed but we did summit around 2pm, so if you're summiting earlier it might be good to just bring 1 or 2.
Comments