I’d been hoping to get into this area at least once this season. With the Chiwawa River Road trailheads closed all summer due to the Pomas Fire, access has been tough. The area finally reopened on October 15, but a string of stormy weekends kept pushing plans back. At last, a sunny day lined up with the weekend forecast.
Snow began on road about two switchbacks before the trailhead, and the trail was covered from the beginning. Coverage was intermittent on the lower sections.
We brought micro spikes, poles, snow shoes, gaiters and 3 season boots. Put the snowshoes shoes on at 5,400.
With all the precipitation this week, there were no tracks or footprints remaining in the snow from parties that went up last weekend. We broke trail the entire way up.
On the switchbacks up into the basin, we could see roller balls, and snow that was loose. Noticed how this stretch of trail becomes unsafe when there’s a lot of snow, due to avalanche danger and the slopes facing south.
We cut a few of the switchbacks on this section on the snow to stay further climbers, right. The steep terrain with deep snow was hard for the one of the dogs as he was sinking in up to his chest even when following in our snowshoe tracks.
There’s a lot of loose, deep and dry snow on the last 600-700 feet to the basin. The snow is really deep in the basin as well. Had a nice snack. Enjoyed the trees, the snow and the views in the basin.
Didn’t see anyone else all day. Two cars were heading out on the main road in the morning. That was it.
The fire crew did an AMAZING job clearing trees and brush on the east side of the road. All the way along Chiwawa River Road. I was very impressed and it will help for future potential fires that come through that area. Great way to use the long fire closure to help protect for future seasons. There are a lot of prescribed burn piles that being burned right now. It might have been about 20 sections that were being burned, with active flames.
The road is also in great shape. The pointy/sharp rocks that were at the section close to Trinity are even gone.
Comments
SpruceMeadowlark38781 on Carne Mountain, Phelps Creek
Great post! Curious, did you only use the snow shoes in the basin?
Posted by:
SpruceMeadowlark38781 on Nov 14, 2025 09:17 AM
LaurelHikes on Carne Mountain, Phelps Creek
Thanks @SpruceMeadowlark38781! That's a great name for the outdoors. :)
Yes, used only the snowshoes and poles with baskets in the basin. I did carry an ice axe just in case I needed to do some digging out. Didn't need to use it at all though. The snow was too soft though to need it on this day.
With the loose, powdery and light snow I did get swallowed up by one or two trees that were unseen while moving through the basin. Took a min to get out of that hole! :)
Posted by:
LaurelHikes on Nov 14, 2025 10:22 AM
SpruceMeadowlark38781 on Carne Mountain, Phelps Creek
thank you!
I am so excited to get out there this coming weekend. I have been looking at weather reports, and I think I will be able to squeeze one last trek in before the snow kicks in for the season.
Curious some more about the areas where you cut the switch backs to stay right. I see 2 or 4 switch backs (depending on they are counted) on the south face on the mountain before the basin. I presume this is where you cut the switch backs to stay further rights?
Posted by:
SpruceMeadowlark38781 on Nov 19, 2025 11:17 AM