Herman Gulch conditions

[beerhiker]

Hi, anybody been up in the last week? curious to know if its snow free yet, also any parking limitations this year as there has been in past?

Thanks

[Charlie78]

Best I can tell you is that 3 weeks ago it was a snowshoe starting about a mile+ from the lake. I can't imagine the snow melting out yet given the amount I saw, the valley headed up to the lake had the feeling of traveling across a glacier. If it has melted out I'd think you'd be dealing with a muddy mess.

If no one is able to give a recent report probably best thing would be to call the clear creek ranger district- (303) 567-3000. They were able to give me trail conditions prior to my hike.

[killstorm]

I was just there on the 3rd. Still lots of snow for the last half mile to Herman Lake (still ice and snow covered itself). Before that the trail is quite muddy and rather more like a stream for sections on the return. The ridge line to the NE of the lake over to Hassell Peak is mostly snow free or skirtable though. Here's a view from the ridgeline looking towards the lake and the Citadel.

.

[beerhiker]

went up today, expecting to get rained on but was a perfect day. 1st mile is pretty much dry, 2nd mile is wet and muddy, 3rd mile in tree is snowy and all snow above trees with a few dry patches. Actually a clear spot on the lake that has cleared in the last 3 days, its melting fast.

[jjust]

I agree with beerhiker. Dry for a mile, real wet and muddy for another mile, and then snow covered to the lake and beyond.

Trip Report: The Citadel (07-03-2011)