Kodiak High Route History?

[d_baker]

I know the answer!

I used part of that route on a trip this last summer. Expect nothing akin to a route at all, just a series of passes that do, in fact, go. No cairns, etc.

I sent an email to the person on OSM who added the route asking it to be removed. It has no aspects of a "trail" or route and is encouraging people to go in there under false pretenses. The group I was in met another group who was expecting to follow the "Kodiak High Route" and was upset to hear that there wasn't a trail. I assume they were fine, but I don't think they completed their trip.

When I brought this up to the person who posted it, they said:

"Thanks for letting me know. My wife and I and our dog (Kodiak) traversed this route several years ago. I was unaware people were even finding it." and "I actually work for Gaia GPS as the cartographer which is why I ask..glad to hear people are discovering things there, but I very much understand the argument against this route and agree with it. When I initially created it I don’t think Gaia was quite as popular as it had become."

The route ultimately was not removed. Maybe worth considering doing myself, but I don't like to meddle in OSM.

But there you go. Kodiak the dog. Some guy who likes maps who works for Gaia and loves posting routes.

I was in Vestal Basin this week, and talked with 3 different groups (1 of them solo) that were looking to use that route.

Group 1 duo, didn't/couldn't see a "trail" leading away from Vestal Lake to saddle of Vestal/W Trinity.

"Group" 2, solo backpacker, was going to use same route, expecting a trail.

Group 3, were at beaver ponds at about 9am, and said they were doing a car to car, from Molas, using that trail, for Jagged. Would be interesting to hear how that went. Judging, they looked like ordinary hikers, not like fast packer runner people that I saw going in for stringing Grenadiers.

Lastly, I talked with an Outward Bound guide at TH, and she told me they used to use that "trail "/route with their groups, but most of the time it wiped them out.

If this trail continues to see hikers trying to use it/follow it, via their devices, maybe over time something will become more established.
It's interesting to hear how some have had success with the route, and others not as much.

[Chicago Transplant]

Interesting, just missed you! I was there Tuesday, and went from Vestal Basin to Peak Eight. There is a game trail but it is not where the Kodiak High Route is noted on CalTopo, Kodiak High Route is just a scree sidehill. You want to drop farther, the game trail comes across the grass slopes below a cliff band at around 12,200'.

To back up a minute, there is a trail from the 11,400 meadow up towards Vestal/Arrow or also a game trail that we picked up partway above the upper meadow (nearly 11800) that fizzles out after a while. There is a scree trail that cuts across the steep scree to the bottom of West Trinity, though its tricky to find at the bottom. When you pop over the saddle, there is a bit of trail in the talus then nothing for a bit. Go straight down the grass to about 12,200' and you'll find a couple of cairns and the start of a trail, this game trail holds steady for a while but I lost it a few times.

The game trail stays below the cliffs bottoming out around 12k at the east end of the cliffs where it joins a stronger trail that comes out of Balsam Lake and back up to the high basin below the East Trininty-Storm King ridge and fizzles out in some talus. Grassy benches lead beyond that, its choose your own adventure at this point, but easy grass. About 2.25 miles from saddle to base of Peak Eight?

[tonythetiger]

Sorry to slightly divert this topic, but I was wondering about the current conditions in Vestal Basin, the trails leading up to it from Elk Park, and the surrounding Centennials (Vestal, Arrow and Trinity). We are going up there next week to try to climb those peaks. Since a couple of you folks were just there, I was hoping you could provide some information. Thanks.

[seano]

I was in Vestal Basin this week, and talked with 3 different groups (1 of them solo) that were looking to use that route.

Group 1 duo, didn't/couldn't see a "trail" leading away from Vestal Lake to saddle of Vestal/W Trinity.

"Group" 2, solo backpacker, was going to use same route, expecting a trail.

Group 3, were at beaver ponds at about 9am, and said they were doing a car to car, from Molas, using that trail, for Jagged. Would be interesting to hear how that went. Judging, they looked like ordinary hikers, not like fast packer runner people that I saw going in for stringing Grenadiers.

Lastly, I talked with an Outward Bound guide at TH, and she told me they used to use that "trail "/route with their groups, but most of the time it wiped them out.

If this trail continues to see hikers trying to use it/follow it, via their devices, maybe over time something will become more established.
It's interesting to hear how some have had success with the route, and others not as much.

I knocked over some cairns last time I was through there, and hope others continue to do the same. Not everything in CO needs to be a manicured trail for the mindless masses.

[d_baker]

Sorry to slightly divert this topic, but I was wondering about the current conditions in Vestal Basin, the trails leading up to it from Elk Park, and the surrounding Centennials (Vestal, Arrow and Trinity). We are going up there next week to try to climb those peaks. Since a couple of you folks were just there, I was hoping you could provide some information. Thanks.

Trail from beaver ponds is easy to follow and doesn't have too many downed trees.
It rained a lot the days leading into, and during, our stay. So, was wet, muddy, but no snow to contend with.

[TomPierce]

I knocked over some cairns last time I was through there, and hope others continue to do the same. Not everything in CO needs to be a manicured trail for the mindless masses.

+1

[d_baker]

Interesting, just missed you! I was there Tuesday, and went from Vestal Basin to Peak Eight.

Hey Mike, that would have been fun to see you.
We went in Monday. Hiked Three and Two on Tuesday, after getting to W Trinity/Vestal saddle and not really liking all the low clouds so early.
Although we did see a group of 2 on the Trinity traverse.

I did W Trinity on Wednesday, and hiked out Thursday morning.
W Trinity was all dry. I will go back with a partner(s) for the traverse some other time.

[Chicago Transplant]

Interesting, just missed you! I was there Tuesday, and went from Vestal Basin to Peak Eight.

Hey Mike, that would have been fun to see you.
We went in Monday. Hiked Three and Two on Tuesday, after getting to W Trinity/Vestal saddle and not really liking all the low clouds so early.
Although we did see a group of 2 on the Trinity traverse.

I did W Trinity on Wednesday, and hiked out Thursday morning.
W Trinity was all dry. I will go back with a partner(s) for the traverse some other time.

Haha mystery solved. The other part of my party did Trinity Traverse while I went out to Eight, they said they saw someone in the saddle but never saw them again, that must have been you. We also saw someone up high on the grass coming off Three on our way back to camp, probably also you

We all did Arrow and Vestal (Wham) together Monday after being soaked out Sunday.

[d_baker]

Mike, later on Monday on Arrow? I have pictures of 3 or so on summit around 2ish?

[Chicago Transplant]

Mike, later on Monday on Arrow? I have pictures of 3 or so on summit around 2ish?

That would be us! Yes, three of us. We were on top around 2.30