Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Hiking the Winter 4,000 Footers: Cannon Mountain 12.22.2012

Via Kinsman Ridge Trail from Ski Parking Lot
Number 1 on the list!

Read all about the winter list here and check on our list from this summer here.

Hiking Cannon

In stark contrast to the crowded summer months, Cannon Mountain was a quiet cold peak on the day we officially started our winter list. We parked in a practically empty parking lot and were greeted by some fairly bare ski slopes. Just south of the notch there was no snow to speak of, but looking up towards the peak of this 4,000 footer we saw plenty of white.

Hiking Cannon

The trail itself was covered in snow around 4-6 inches that was already packed down. The initial climb was slippery with ice over the snow and any bare rocks. Microspikes solved this problem easily and the trail became more and more snow covered as we went up in elevation.

Hiking Cannon

Hiking Cannon

Sticks and branches from recent windy weather covered the trail for the beginning of the hike and was quite bothersome. Fortunately, for anyone else planning to go- we ended up clearing the way for you!

Hiking Cannon Winter

I've been digging Marmot's Driclime Jacket for climbs

Cannon Mountain was one of our first hikes this summer as we began the list and we suffered through the steep climb. While I admit to some suffering on our winter attempt it was much less!

Hiking Cannon

We had wet snow falling on us throughout the hike making for challenging conditions. The top was windy and cold but manageable  Clouds limited views somewhat. One thing I love about winter hiking is that going down is always much faster. We hightailed it back down in no time and only bumped into one other person walking their dog the entire hike. SO much different than the summer months. I love winter!

Hiking Cannon

Hiking Cannon

Hiking Cannon

Hiking Cannon

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