Schoolhouse Springs Trailhead (Alpine) to Lake Hardy Round Trip
Familiar hike up to First and Second Hamongog, continuing up to ridge line before trail heads east toward Lake Hardy.
Surprising amount of snow (I'm not sure why I was surprised based upon Saturday's Box Elder Peak outing--reoccurring theme with me) at 8,500 ft level.
Navigating trail to Hardy difficult and then impossible as it climbed up to 9,000 ft levels where snow depths dramatically increased. Traversed several snow fields carefully going off-piste up the ridge (as opposed to heading up the little valley to Lake Hardy) which allowed some climbing on rock as opposed to navigating through deep snow. Punched/fell in waist deep pockets many times--thankfully never into water.
Incredible amounts of water coming down cliff faces and underneath snow. Very careful with footing and climbing. Hardy still frozen with several feet of snow still on the ground.
Quick trip back knowing best route back through snow section.
10.8 with some short side excursions. 4,900 vert. |