Two parents and two teens on snowshoes, plus two dogs. We arrived at the parking area about 9:30 on the Monday before Christmas. The Heather Meadows ski area and lodge were closed today so it was much quieter than I’ve ever seen it. The bathroom by the parking lot trailhead is open although not maintained so plan accordingly. There was fresh powder so most tracks in the area were covered. Visible to follow but not packed… Our husky mix loved every minute of the deep snow. The little Pom-chi made it about three quarters and then wanted a backpack ride. It was definitely choose your own adventure at the top near Artist point. The bathroom roof still visible. We went up a little bit toward Huntoon point but no views or cloud breaks so we didn’t go all the way. Great quiet day on the mountain, it was about 19 degrees, and snowing most of the time we were out. We saw 95 percent skiers, and only a couple other snowshoers. I would definitely recommend coming on a day Heather Meadows ski area is closed. We have always come on a busy weekend and it can be so crazy and overcrowded.

A totally gorgeous day for a classic snowshoeing trip to Artist Point and Huntoon Point. 

Arrived at the parking lot by 9 on Sunday and there were still many spots left. Lots of skiers but there were only a handful of snowshoers.

We started from the Forest Service vault toilet, went pass Heather Meadows Visitor Center, and then up to Artist Point and Huntoon Point. We also did a mini side trip to the lower Bagley Lake. Tempted to go further to the upper Bagley Lake where the bridge is, but decided not to (not recommended when avalanche forecast is high).

There were many bootpaths and ski tracks all over the place. Most bootpaths that we followed were packed so we rarely postholed. Things will definitely change next week with lots of snow in the forecast, except for Monday.

Total mileage today was around 4.2 miles with 2 hours moving time. It's pretty short and sweet. Next time, early in the season, I will attempt the summer Bagley Lakes Loop route. 

Loads of fresh powder from the moment you leave the parking lot! You definitely will need skis or snowshoes right now. 

Snow and ice on 542 up to the parking lot. It’s all plowed but could be slippery depending on time of day and temperature. Signs on the highway saying all vehicles must have chains until April, but it didn’t seem like anyone needed to put them on today. I didn’t find traction to be an issue, but I drive kinda slow. Lol.

 This was my third time at Artist’s Point and the views were unreal as always. It was 17 degrees at the parking lot with a cold wind up by Huntoon Point, but I was wearing enough layers to be comfortable.. except my hands because I kept taking off my mittens to mess with my camera! 😂

 Lots of people out there, many more skiers than snowshoers. There are lots of social trails, but you can kind of see where most people were going if you haven’t been before. I spent some time messing around down by Bagley Lakes, then cut up to Artist’s Point, and continued on to Huntoon Point. It’s totally worth it to go beyond Artist’s Point.. only a few groups were today. I was right behind a couple who were breaking trail (thank you!), no mean feat today.. off the beaten path I was sinking up to a foot.. in snowshoes!

 The powder was so fluffy and fresh today that you could see the individual snowflakes while looking at the ground. Absolutely amazing. I’m such a dumb Californian that I used to think you had to have a microscope to see the shape of snowflakes. The first time I saw them with my own eyes a couple years ago, I was freaking out! It still amazes me!

Thanksgiving day was a fantastic day to hike up to Artists point. Sunny skies and mild breezy conditions made for a great time up for me and for many others who had come for winter adventures.

Drive is not too bad. As another report noted, there are patches of ice in the shade on the hairpin bends leading to Bagley lakes ski area. Just take it easy on the drive. Parking lot also has patches of ice, but not too challenging.

There are a multitude of social trails starting from the parking lot, which become challenging to follow. The trail is packed snow all the way until the final climb up to the Artists point parking lot - you will be better off with microspikes than snowshoes. That could change with the upcoming storms. The final push up to artists point is steep if you cut the trail, and mellow if not. There is about 6 inches of fresh snow in and near the lot, making walking without snowshoes harder, but still doable. Plenty were walking with just regular snow boots.

There were gusts of wind that moved around the fresh snow on the ridge to Huntoon point - be careful on the leeward sides as the snowdrifts there are very soft and you can easily sink in. But getting there is worth the views.