Concur with the prior report about routes around the last hump to Artist Point. Taking it straight on is a challenge though that seems to be the popular route. I went down that way in snowshoes which was hard to get purchase & skiers going up were struggling with the same, opting to ditch the skis. I think just climbing in boots is the way to go. I went up the longer way to the left which is along the road & that was crunchier ice with slight challenge to get my snowshoes to grip as the path put in for switch backs had postholing and snowshoe teeth can't grab in a hole (physics problems...). But it did feel safer when compared to down the steeper route. Either way- the last hump up to Artist Point is a little of a challenge. But totally doable, as the many tracks up there demonstrate. A couple of folks were camping near the Huntoon Point & a whole group (surprising for a Friday) was just around Artist Point so I went further towards Table which lent a nice higher view. I could also see some fractures forming in that steep snow field and some tracks going around Table, which I would not want to do now. Seems like an increasing avalanche risk there. I spotted several other areas across the valley (above where the lakes are currently buried) that also has several significant fractures. So use caution on those other trails if you want to explore further. Esp with warming weather and new snows. I'm no expert, but see pics for some of those fractures.
It's a lovely view up there, though I do contest it being the best in the state. I've been wowed more but maybe it's way better in summer. Will just have to come back (shucks). It was a windy & fun camping adventure and there were all sorts of routes to snowshoe or x-ski even without going near any avalanchey areas. :)
Comments