This was an absolutely beautiful hike all the way! The maples were at their prime and just stunning. Even the roadwalk to Monte Cristo, normally somewhat boring, was brightened by the red and gold color of the vine maples lining the trail. The hike itself starts out as an easy 4 mile road walk into the old Monte Cristo townsite. The log crossing is unnessesary with the water low enough now you can rock hop across the stream. Find a spot to go across, then pick up the road/trail again on the opposite bank.
Once you reach the townsite, you will cross a sturdy bridge and pick up the trail behind one of the old cabins. The TH is well marked. Now it's 2 miles uphill to Poodle Dog pass.The trail is well made and easy to follow. First switchback thru the woods, cross a small stream, then head up again. Be sure to turn around and look at the views behind you as you climb out of the woods. The snow was light and easy to travel on until approx. 3500', then as the trail got steeper, the snow got deeper. Poles were a help. I didn't have a snow basket on my poles, but wished I had put one on. I did not use spikes on the way up, but did on the way down. At the top of the pass the snow was over a foot deep, luckily some hikers had come in before us and broken trail. There were 3 of us and we broke it further, so it should be easier. Head down to the right from Poodle Dog into the lake basin. You will see several tarns, grey from the slushy snow. Pass the tarns and head up over a small ridge to the lake. Behind the lake is Silvertip Peak, sparkling with fresh snow, a beautiful view for a relaxing lunch! We had the trail to ourselves all day, everybody parked at the TH must have been at Gothic Basin.
Comments