Did the Ranger Creek - Palisades loop today on a perfect weather day! We were not at all sure if we'd be able to get up onto the ridge that runs to Ranger Peak. Snow has melted off up to about 4600 feet, which is right where the final switchbacks start that deliver you to the ridge top. From there the snow is still filling the trailbed in many places. We nearly turned around but a combination of microspikes, poles, and careful slow foot placement worked out and we persevered to the ridge top. Even after the snow melts, this section could really use some help to re-establish the benching.
We met one trail runner coming the other way (from Palisades TH) and a snowshoer. We found spikes to be enough. Ridge had about 3' of snow left on it and we postholed just a few times. Once the trail goes into the shady north side behind the ridge, the snow gets very icy and spikes were essential.
Beautiful views on this day from all the viewpoints as we headed gently down to the Palisades trail where we had left a second car.
Just a handful of blowdowns all day. Sawyers have been up to the little Ranger peak lookout on the Ranger Creek trail.
Comments
Nice work!
Posted by:
Ups n Downs on May 24, 2022 02:34 PM
Thanks! Your report was really helpful ahead of time. We just figured we'd go as far as we felt safe-ish. I've done this trail later in the season, and in the other direction. Was a totally different experience walking the ridge in snow with the silver burned trees. And then every half hour you come to some amazing view.
Posted by:
Greg Nieminen on May 24, 2022 04:48 PM
Excellent report, great details! We were thinking of exploring the Palisades Loop in about four days. Wonder if it's melted down much . . . it could probably use another couple weeks . . .
Posted by:
bentley-edelman on Jun 03, 2022 03:29 PM
I bet you could go now and be just fine. We went 2 weeks ago and the only tricky bit was the switchbacks leading right up to the saddle. Those are likely melted out now. And the snow on the ridge may still be there but probably easy to go on without even spikes.
Posted by:
Greg Nieminen on Jun 03, 2022 04:12 PM
Don't know if you went up this weekend or not, but I was up there today (4th). Some snow still remaining on the top of the ridge - maybe half the distance from the trail junction to Little Ranger Peak?- but everything else is pretty melted out. Switchback section is entirely navigable. Need some careful footwork navigating the remaining snow on the ridge as it spans down timber - mostly old burnt out stuff - and while its not deep, a surprise punch-through can be a bit dangerous to your legs.
Posted by:
imadethisupforthis on Jun 05, 2022 01:40 AM
Thank you both for your comments and details here, really appreciate it. We're headed there tomorrow (7th) . . . Sounds like the snow is at and a bit after the junction with Little Ranger Trail, where Bike-n-Hike took the picture?
Posted by:
bentley-edelman on Jun 06, 2022 08:57 AM
Yeah. Pretty much just along the section from the green circle along part of the arrow pointing to Little Ranger Peak. Its quite manageable. Even if you lose the trail, just keep heading along the ridge and you'll find it again.
Posted by:
imadethisupforthis on Jun 06, 2022 08:13 PM