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After a great day on Quandry Friday, and with the weather pushing out until Saturday night, my hiking partner Don decided he would guide me up Flattop Mountain. Little did he know that I had a slightly farther destination in mind.
Conditions were great. With the weather coming in tonight, I don't know what it will be tomorrow, but if you can get into the Wayback Machine and go back to this morning, go for it! Very little wind, not too cold, and easy stepping.
We arrived at the Bear Lake trailhead at about 8am. The rangers suggested we would need snowshoes up top, claiming that the snow was knee deep. I don't know if they tell that to everybody attempting to summit, or what, so we strapped the shoes onto the packs and took off.
The trail was snow packed; the spikes helped, snowshoes were a waste. After a few trail junctions, we began to switchback up the slope, occasionally peeking out to the south and getting great views of Longs.
While we were sitting at the overlook admiring the views, we had quite a few friends join us. These Colorado Gray Jays seem to like Teddy Grahams, and were happy to help themselves.
It took forever to get out of the trees. I have a tough time below treeline, and seem to get a second wind above. After a few more switchbacks, we got out of the trees and into the scrub and scraggly small trees.
Finally we got above the vegetation, but lost the trail. Straight up was in order. I should have understood that the trail wouldn't go from gentle, long switchbacks to straight up, but we couldn't fine the trail, so up we went.
What a false summit. Finally we found the trail, and it moved us around the north side of the slope. Once on the north side, we saw how much farther we had to get to Flattop. Looking back
And up toward the hitching post
We got to the hitching post quickly, and I sprung my diabolical plan to get Don on top of Hallett. Flattop is so flat, that it would be hard to stop there if the weather is good. And the weather was good. There is a pretty cool cornice hanging over; it made for good pictures, but rest assured, we were standing on rocks while this was taken.
From Flattop to Hallett reminds me of the top of Holy Cross. You come way around and approach from the backside.
We stuck close to the edge on the way around and quickly made it up to Hallett. It was easy to rock hop and avoid any snow.
Looking back at what we came around
On the way back, we stuck to the trail/cairns. At times the cairns were about 20 - 30 yards apart and very big. Perhaps a good reminder how disorienting a large flat topped mountain could be in a whiteout.
Back to the hitching post, looking back down the trail, winding back around the north side.
Coming down, it was easy to spot the trail and follow it. If in doubt, swing to the south, as the trail switches back over there. If you are in this exact spot, and the footprints go off toward the humps, look left.
A good landmark is the last big tree with all the branches pointing east. The trail is about 10 yards uphill of that.
So we never needed the snowshoes. Thanks to the ranger for having us pack a few pounds extra, but as they say, better to have and not need.
Great hike, but a long time below tree line. It is evident by the scraggly trees up top, the frequent cairns, and the windswept top that this place can get some weather. I felt fortunate to spend the day with great conditions. The views from Hallett are great, and well worth the trip.
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Nice work. You‘re making me want to get off my butt and climb something again - finally.
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