8/19/2017 Route: Southwest Slopes Posted On: 8/20/2017, By: Terraphilia Info: Driving to the trailhead is long and bumpy. Look at a map before you head out to American Basin or even Grizzly Gulch, there are some forks in the road not described on the 14ers website. I was happy having good clearance and 4WD (most people were in Jeeps, ATVs, dirt bikes or 4-wheelers; however, again, as with most of my trips, I saw people with sedans making it up (not sure how happy their car is now). The actual trail was lovely and free of moisture. Flowers were still in bloom. |
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8/19/2017 Route: Southwest Slopes Posted On: 8/23/2017, By: ericwolf88 Info: Great day on the mountain. Camped just below treeline the night before. Be warned the last 0.9 mile of the road is pretty rough and you need a 4wd to pass it. If you can't, just park back toward the fork in the road. Started at 8:15, summit at 10:15, back to car at 12:15. Trail was completely dry and it really was never cold. We took our yellow lab and he loved it! |
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8/11/2017 Route: Southwest Slopes Posted On: 8/13/2017, By: thomkath Info: Wildflowers are in full bloom! Marmots/other rat-like rodents were abundant as well. We camped near Silver creek trailhead instead of in American Basin, so not sure how much the creatures were bothersome overnight. The road to the trailhead from Lake City is only 20 miles but takes 1-1.5 hours due to how slow you have to go. The trail was well-marked up to the top, no snow crossings and the streams were very manageable. Gorgeous views all the way up, including a stunning alpine lake. There's a small boulder field that was easy enough to not require booties for our dogs, and a small amount of skree near the summit but nothing too challenging. Overall an "easy" hike for a 14er with stellar views. Very dog friendly :) |
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7/26/2017 Route: East Slopes Posted On: 7/28/2017, By: cardgenius Info: Trail is in excellent condition. Maybe 2-3 muddy spots in the basin past the forest. Wildflowers are everywhere. |
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7/3/2017 Route: Southwest Slopes Posted On: 7/5/2017, By: GreenHorn Info: Climbed from Grouse Gulch. Great views on this approach, wild flowers are in full bloom in Grouse Gulch. Encountered a couple of small snowfields before reaching the pass to American basin. This trail is mostly snow as it crosses the upper end of American basin before joining the main trail. The main trail still has some snow but it's nothing of significance. Dropped lower in basin on the return to avoid most of the snow. Hiked in trail runners. |
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7/2/2017 Route: Southwest Slopes Posted On: 7/2/2017, By: cyrrus Info: Snow is melting quick. A minor stream crossing which was easy. Maybe 3 small snow fields and one medium sized snowfield to traverse. They were real icy in the morning and the general runoff made the ground frozen all over. I had microspikes in my bag but never used them. A fall would not lead to a slide. No postholing. |
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6/30/2017 Route: Grouse Gulch Posted On: 6/30/2017, By: kewilliam Info: Hi all.. Wondering if anyone has any current beta on Handies (i.e. snowpack)? We are climbing it with kids on Saturday from the Grouse Gulch side and are wondering on how much snow we should expect? Thanks for the help! |
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6/27/2017 Route: East Slopes Posted On: 6/29/2017, By: BigShoveler Info: A couple snow crossings, but no traction needed. |
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6/23/2017 Route: Southwest Slopes Posted On: 6/25/2017, By: CO_GPS_Guy Info: Still lots of snow as others have reported. Snow drift past creek crossing on 4WD road still hard packed, but high clearance 4WD vehicles can make it through the ruts and over the center snow mass. Most folks crossed the creek and parked there, saw a Subaru Outback had crossed the creek no problem. Bring your trail finding skills as there are tracks across every stretch of snow in all directions imaginable. We hiked up at 5:30am on hard pack, using microspikes for speed and security, although we saw hikers in boots and trail shoes working the snow fields with no issues. The upper area/trail past the snow is clear and dry. Postholing on the way down became a problem, with slush forming as the basin warmed up in th sun. See pictures -- part of trail leading out of and into snow fields was our guide to the route. Saw plenty of folks in shoes and shorts turning around by 9:30am because of postholing and slipping on snow fields (as well as getting lost and not really know where they were headed without a clear trail to follow). Amazing views from on top with mountains and snow in every direction! |
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6/22/2017 Route: Southwest Slopes Posted On: 6/23/2017, By: Ajs336 Info: Would not recommend the American basin ascent without snowshoes! We made it to the top, but it was a bit more post holing than I would have liked. I would say about 50% of the trail was still covered in snow. Peak was clear of snow though :) As of our way down, someone had cleared an ok path the the trailhead, but you'd for sure need a good 4wheel drive to get through the snow on the road. |
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6/17/2017 Route: Southwest Slopes Posted On: 6/18/2017, By: jladderud Info: Still lots of snow in American Basin (and on the trail). Plenty of post holing as the day progressed. We saw a wet slide on the slopes of American Peak. |
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6/17/2017 Route: West Slopes Posted On: 6/19/2017, By: Sglm14 Info: This couloir is pretty much done for this year. Snow was in great condition in the morning. Once we got closer to the top, snow ended and we cldn't see that from the bottom so we ended up doing some scrambling. Overall, a gorgeous day! Went down American basin. |
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6/15/2017 Route: Southwest Slopes Posted On: 6/18/2017, By: Krispy Info: Attempted Handies on Thursday for the first time to get in an easy acclimation hike (we're flat-landers from MN) and were expecting some snow, but what we found was near total trail coverage most of the way to the basin. Not much postholing since the snow was still fairly packed, but it was a pain in the butt for people not used to it who didn't know the trail well. Spikes aren't required, but they sure came in handy (no pun intended). If you're looking for a snow free hike, maybe wait on this one for a week or so. |
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6/10/2017 Route: Southwest Slopes Posted On: 6/12/2017, By: Shattuck311 Info: TH open to the creek crossing (which was considerable) Snow bridge got us across the creek, and intermittent snow on the 4WD road. Snow was fairly consistent to the ridge, and snow free once at the ridge if you prefer. I brought my skis and was able to run a line all the way back to the 4WD TH without taking off, though a few spots likely won't be in much longer. Microspikes helpful, as is an ice ax. Snowshoes not so much. |
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5/27/2017 Route: Southwest Slopes Posted On: 5/27/2017, By: Wildernessjane Info: A mama moose with a recent newborn is hanging out very near the TH parking. The baby looked like it was still pretty wobbly as it was trying to stand. She's well hidden so just be mindful. She was there last night, again this morning and then when we got back to the car. I'm guessing she won't go far until her calf is stronger. I would hate for some loose dogs to tangle with her. As far as the route, we didn't do it as our goal was one of the couloirs on American Peak but there's still lots of snow back there. Parking is at the lower TH. |
