Busted out this sweet loop hike off Vail Pass last week. I had never been over on the back side of this big ridge. Have had this plan going for a while but never went all the way. You sweep up that to this Uneva Pass - bank up Sneva Peak and then back up other side for the return. 6 - 6.5 miles total.

was an 'Active' weather day - relatively low rain/snow chances but when you're higher up that shit can turn quick and i learned hard.

but forecast called for general lifting of all clouds around 2pm on so the gameplan was based on solid meteorological data and projections.

but this was just a wild day. all time hall of fame experience, tucked in their so neatly next to the interstate. harkened back to my montana days of just going headlong into inadvisable situation with a concerned smile on my face.

the key move on the initial wrap out was to see the bridge over the marsh and somehow despite not feeling like i did -- got it textbook!

the way back down on trail from bridge towards copper was all snowed out. am i first one on pass this year?

There was possibility if snow too deep and not supporting i would just have to bail out entirely but luckily could walk almost anywhere at will on the stable snowpack.

But under the snow i was loosing the actual trail. was psychologically comforting to follow it plus navigationally good too.

So it was good to see it appearing here and there

and one lost lake came along as scheduled things were going good more or less. the sun was shining. the weather forecast was coming true.

but crossing further snow fields on high valley perch up beyond lost lake the winds took more snow into their arms and unfurled them upon me. like hammering me in the face hard and accumulating on my hoodie.

crossing this very steep snow field towards some dry land i miraculously spotted some open trail in the snow below here.

Pic doesn't do justice. it was blasting in off uneva pass at my ass. so much so i had to cower behind stand of trees further up ahead in pic for like 15 mins to just ride it out finally. was actually considering bailing or at least skipping sneva. if it was cloudy up there - would be no point to hit it. (I'm a views or nothing kind of hiker). could this weather pattern get stuck somehow?

But - luckily the forecast wasn't all wrong - saddled up and headed towards uneva pass with conditions improving.

Sneva Summit!

Peak 12,363

higher than Sneva - had been up this a few times way back in the day but not within last 10 years