This beautiful snowshoe felt like a special opportunity with the road still open. I got to the trailhead at 9:30 and parked on the highway, as the road up to the trailhead from the highway was snow covered. There were a few other cars, but their drivers must have been heading to different destinations, as I saw no one on the trail all day. Folks had clearly previously broken trail, presumably over the weekend, so that made for easy snowshoeing as I started off at 9:45. I wore snowshoes the whole time, which was entertaining in early season conditions- there were plenty of areas lower down where the trail was bare and I walked on snow alongside it or sometimes on the wet trail, and I crossed quite a few streams via rocks while wearing my snowshoes. The snow started off hard and got softer as I reached sunny slopes, so I was happy to have snowshoes with fairly solid traction on them for the day. At 6150' the broken trail left the actual trail and started straight up without switchbacks. Enjoying not breaking trail, I followed the steeper route straight up to the top. The larches are all past prime, but it was beautiful to see snowy peaks all around on a clear day. After enjoying some food and the views, I headed back down, reaching the car at 3:45. I'd recommend doing an avy risk assessment and being prepared before heading out given the slopes above the trail.

Arrived to the trailhead around 730 with only a few other cars in the lot - most looking like they were there overnight. The trail had a few muddy patches at the beginning but was mostly snow covered. Snow was packed down and easy to walk on. We did bring micro spikes and poles but ended up being fine in our trail runners and never used them. Most larches have lost probably half of their needles at this point but the views were still there and absolutely worth it.

The seasoning of layering is definitely here! It was about 30 degrees when we arrived and 48 once we got back to our car around 1230. It’s also obviously a bit chillier in the shade, warmer in the sun, and pretty breezy at the top of the pass.

Got to TH around 10:10am (parked on road). Was around 28 deg F. Maybe slightly icy on road up to TH but probably all melted by now. Trail is mostly covered with packed snow. Grateful for hikers who broke trail and packed it all down already! Seems like many people had the same idea to see snowy larches today before more rain/snow rolls in later this week. Amazing day.  

Arrived TH 11am; highway clear and dry but road to TH snow-covered, deep tire cuts.  Trail itself was a single track with ~6" of powder turning to slush/mud and sliding off trees.  Went as far as the valley to confirm the fall color was buried under white (plus low clouds!), and then turned around.  Forecast is a low of 22F tonight (Monday) so would expect some real ice for the rest of the week.

GORGEOUS trail, even with some inclement weather. We went for larch viewing and were so happy to have gone despite some weather. Some rain at lower altitudes then wind and snow at higher altitudes but never felt dangerous and accumulation was hardly beginning at this point. Fields of larches and other colorful plans were on display against a backdrop of rocks and green, with a diverse set of scenes on offer. The incline is so gradual it felt like a regular walk both up and down. We clocked about 6 miles each way to the pass itself. Trail itself is in excellent condition and appears like someone designed it to be 'easy'. Roadway to the trailhead is potholed but any car can handle it if driven slowly. Parking lot was nearly full by about 8:30am on a Saturday but plenty of spaces available long the road.