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Been planning on hitting these two when some snow finally came around. I decided to take the South Ridge because it left the option open of hiking the 13er Ruby Mountain on the way back. Due to a later start than planned, and even more so because this took much longer than expected that didn't happen.
First thing anyone who is interested in doing the South Ridge Trail now should know is that while it is still open, due to the snow I would not drive up (starting from 206) without 4WD. My jeep with winter tires did side a few times even while driving cautiously.
The scenery was already pretty awesome starting up the trail on this sunny day. While there was a storm the day before (this hike was the day after Thanksgiving) snowshoes were not close to necessary here. We came across some larger footprints in the snow and knew they must be pretty new since it just snows the day before. Sure enough a minute later was saw 3 moose not too far away doing their casual strut. As usual, they didn't look very intimidated.
I did come across a few icy section where it was still relatively flat, and then places on steeper switchbacks where the snow was about 14" deep for about 100 feet. I might be wrong (you could check caltopo) but the first incline seemed like more dangerous avalanche zone I would probably avoid by cutting over to the ridge on the left on more dangerous winter days.
The trail disappears for the most part after this with small cairns here and there that will probably be covered after the next storm. I did end up hitting a small section leaning towards class 3 near the top on the left before taking a turn right towards. if you stay a little more to the right you will avoid it, but there was also more moderately steep snow there I decided to avoid.
From this point on including the hike over to Torres back to the top of Grays there was really nothing different than any another class two I've been including stronger winds. The day was totally clear so it would warm up when the wind stopped or when you at the rock shelters (which my dog also seems to go to for a rest right away).
My tips for the way back especially with snow: If you want to avoid the class three-ish section mentioned above be alert on when to take a left. Keep track of a reference point here and there to remember where the trail is because there really isn't one with even a little snow. And like I mentioned above, my guess is this wouldn't be the safest area on days where there is avalanche danger in the East Southeast side direction.
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
thank you for sharing the views. what kind of dog do you have?
how did your dog do? Paws and such
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