Cruised up to Icicle Ridge yesterday. Cruised is the right word up until the saddle where most folks were headed. Great trail. Gains elevation smoothly and the switchbacks are nice. (How often do you hear that?) No snow to the saddle. Lots and lots of friendly people.
From there I turned west and continued up the ridge. Hit snow intermittently around 3300 feet and continuously above 3800. Put on microspikes and gaiters. Post holed from 4000 to 5000 feet but above there the snow was firm, wind scoured and easy to travel without snowshoes. Fantastic views at about 5500 where the trees have been burned off the ridge. A few little snow squalls blew through but that just added to the scenery. Only saw two parties above the saddle.
A little less than six hours all in. I'd love to do this again when the snowline is a bit farther up.
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