Posted by Momo Vuyisich on October 16, 2006 at 8:57 PM
My friends and I want to spend the weekend backpacking there. I would really appreciate it if someone can answer my questions:
1) Does anyone know how much snow there is up there right now? If not, how about at Little Molas Lake (I figure they are at similar elevation)?
2) Even if there isn't too much snow, will it be very muddy (I mean VERY muddy)?
3) Has anyone tried hiking to Highland Mary lakes from the top of Stony pass (instead of Cunningham gulch)? Based on Google Earth and topo maps, it looks feasible, without much elevation gain (we got heavy packs) and with better views.
Thanks in advance.
Posted by Todd Caudle on October 17, 2006 at 12:45 AM
1) I don't know, but based on what the area looked like just a few weeks ago, you can count on a lot of snow still up there.
2) It hasn't been warm enough at 12,000' in the San Juans for the snow to melt, or to create any mud.
3) I once hiked from Stony Pass to a ridge just overlooking HML (I was a few hundred feet above them, but didn't drop down), so it's definitely do-able. Seemed like there was more up and down than I had thought there would be by my reading of the map. There's a trail of sorts most of the way, but you won't find it (it'll be buried under snow). I'd be surprised if you could drive anywhere near Stony Pass by now, so you'll probably have better luck getting to the Cunningham Gulch TH anyways.
Posted by Momo Vuyisich on October 17, 2006 at 1:18 AM
Hi Todd! I was hoping that there is not much snow up there, but after your reply I am scared to go there altogether. Also, thanks for confirming that the route from Stony pass is feasible. I really appreciate your answer.
Discussion
2 replies1) Does anyone know how much snow there is up there right now? If not, how about at Little Molas Lake (I figure they are at similar elevation)?
2) Even if there isn't too much snow, will it be very muddy (I mean VERY muddy)?
3) Has anyone tried hiking to Highland Mary lakes from the top of Stony pass (instead of Cunningham gulch)? Based on Google Earth and topo maps, it looks feasible, without much elevation gain (we got heavy packs) and with better views.
Thanks in advance.
2) It hasn't been warm enough at 12,000' in the San Juans for the snow to melt, or to create any mud.
3) I once hiked from Stony Pass to a ridge just overlooking HML (I was a few hundred feet above them, but didn't drop down), so it's definitely do-able. Seemed like there was more up and down than I had thought there would be by my reading of the map. There's a trail of sorts most of the way, but you won't find it (it'll be buried under snow). I'd be surprised if you could drive anywhere near Stony Pass by now, so you'll probably have better luck getting to the Cunningham Gulch TH anyways.