Arrived at the Longmire gate a little after 8:30am, knowing it didn’t open until 9am. At first we parked near the gate to wait for it to open, but soon after the park ranger informed us we needed to move. By then, vehicles were lining up on Longmire Road, so we went to the end of that line, but then the rangers had all of us clear off the road, so we went into the parking lot. It was confusing what to do if you arrive before 9am, and the rangers were even routing people back down Paradise Valley Road. Luckily the gate opened a little after 9 and we could all finally enter. It was a mess and the rangers weren’t very considerate or helpful. We parked in the first row at Paradise, but the lot was starting to fill up quickly behind us. Restrooms were open.
We were able to hike most of the way to Panorama Point with just our boots, but definitely needed microspikes to make the last push past Glacier Vista. If you take the summer route as shown on Gaia, it is a slightly sketchy, narrow, and icy path. A few people without spikes turned around, but we were able to navigate it with spikes and poles. However, it does take extra caution and a careful step. Most of the skiers took a more direct, steeper route straight up. Either way works, but in the end only do what you are comfortable with. Many groups didn’t go past Glacier Vista. We carried our snowshoes, but never used them.
WTA overestimates the stats. We recorded 4mi and 1400’ elevation gain.
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