Trail is pretty good up to first "avalanche chute". After this trail using "Winter path" - direct route to the top. Looks like not to many people continue this way and in addition everybody make hist variation of route.

I see a lot of fresh avalanche slides and I hope most dangerous sections already released. Snow is very soft, have a lot of holes (easy to break legs). Microspikes and ice-axe are helpful here.

Sent via avalanche gully:

On Trail: The whole trail is hard-packed snow. Thanks to whomever broke the trail, well done! Aggressive boot tread or traction device recommended (so long as it's below freezing, you can probably get away with just a trekking pole & careful foot placement).

Avalanche gully as of Mar 2: Ice axe no crampons: Made 1st tracks straddling two zones: climbers right was hard consolidated crust. Punched through easily until elevation of ~3,000 ft. Under crust was dry but moderately stable powder. Climbers left was mildly consolidated powder. 8-12 inches of travel from surface to point of compaction depending on location.

After ~3,500 feet crampons recommended. Easy walk on top of crust.

Would avoid doing this in above freezing temperatures when crust stability might become compromised and loose slab slides could result.

Glassade down was rewarding. Take care to avoid the crusty bits, they're FAST!

The road after the freeway is covered in a small layer of patchy snow and ice. Easy to get to the lot. 

After the new snow fall, I was the first one making my way on the trail after the split at Pratt Lake. The avalanche chutes posed no problems today, the crossings were clear and there was no sign of recent activity. About a mile from the summit, the fog rolled in very heavy. The mixture of powder and hard pack made for lots of uneven stepping. Being unfamiliar with the trail, and solo for the day, I called it and headed back to the car.

On these rare sunny days off, Granite Mountain is always calling my name.

Slept in and got a later start than planned, hitting the trail around 11:30 AM.  Brought snow shoes but they didn't leave my back for the entire day.  Microspikes were handy but probably not necessary for the sun-softened snow later in the afternoon.  I followed the boot track up the snow after leaving the forested section of the trail, which takes a more direct and steep route up to the summit than the established trail does. I had originally planned to take the winter route around the side of the mountain but found myself headed up the snow covered rock field that is the summer route to the lookout tower.  Again, boot tracks made my ascent straightforward - just like climbing stairs!  The last 1/4 mile or so up to the summit is steep and windy, so use caution and stick to the trail.  One misstep on the icy slope and you will be rolling down to I-90.  

7.54 miles total with 3,700 feet gain in around 3.5 hours including a little coffee break at the lookout tower.   All in all a beautiful day on the mountain!

Blog version (disclaimers)

Quick-and-dirty version

Access: Granite Mountain Trailhead
Round Trip: 7 miles
Elevation Range: 3120′-5629′
Gear: microspikes and snowshoes; ice axe and crampons packed but not used

Approach

1. Hike the Granite Mountain Trail covered in mud and light snow/ice.
2. Follow the beaten path to reach Granite Mountain summit. Snowshoes and/or traction device may be required depending on snow conditions.
3. Descend northwest ridge toward the saddle.
4. Ascend east slopes to reach Tusk O'Granite summit.
5. Descend south ridge to reach Pratt Lake Trail and hike out.

Highlights

• Expansive views all around
• Sunshine in later morning to early afternoon
• Solitude

Lowlights

• Wind gusts on the summit
• Icy ridge traverse close to the summit
• Breaking trail in fresh snow