Winchester Mountain — Saturday, Sep. 2, 2023

Overnight backpacking and photography trip to Winchester Mountain lookout.  In Sat Sept 2, out Sun Sept 3.

Road: I parked at Yellow Aster Butte trailhead instead of driving all the way to the Twin Lakes/Winchester Mountain trailhead.  Road to YAB is still in pretty decent shape; a few potholes here and there and a couple dips but all vehicles should be able to make it with some care.  The last mile does get a bit rough and there is a dip at a stream crossing that needs some caution to avoid bottoming out.  Good news is that it's just under 5 miles to YAB trailhead.

Trail: 

YAB trailhead to Twin Lakes: It's a walk on the road and it's not fun.  Around 2.4 miles and around 2000ft gain.  At least the grade is steady.

Twin Lakes to Winchester Mountain lookout: Trail is in great condition.  Not very steep and great views along the way.  Near the top just before you cross over to the west side of the mountain there is a short stretch that looks a bit sketchy from a distance but is actually fine (though I would hesitate to traverse that section in the rain because there is exposure and you are on rock).

Bugs: A few flies at the lookout but overall not bad at all.

Crowds: It was Labor Day weekend but still YAB trailhead had at 20 to 30 cars at 7am (!!).  At the lookout there were 4 tents in addition to the people camped at the lookout itself.  

Water sources: NONE after the lakes.  For backpackers that means lugging your water up the mountain if you want to camp at the top.

Tentsites: Outside of the lookout itself, there are not too many tentsites at the top.  Maybe 2 good level ones and perhaps 1 or 2 more usable ones.  Also keep in mind that the top is a relatively small space so it can feel crowded with day hikers and backpackers.  Also privacy may be at a premium.

Sunset was good but sunrise was spectacular.