The gate to Paradise was open again today but there was a winter storm forecasted and the gate would be closing even earlier than normal so I opted to not drive all the way up. Plus, as much as I love the diversity, I am really not fit for the crowds up there. :)
I parked in the pullouts where the Cougar Rock Campground road crosses (by Carter Falls trailhead) and spent awhile meandering the unadulterated snow and solitude. The snow was heavier than up at Paradise so it was much more of a workout but I didn't care as I had it all to myself!
I looped around on the east side first and then crossed the road to loop around on the west side for a few miles. It is always interesting to see the picnic tables, barbeques and bear boxes peaking out from the depths of the snow and know that car camping and the dog days of summer are a ways off!
The snow began to fall in earnest after a couple hours so I turned back for the car. I will definitely repeat this trek again, so close to Longmire but few people. If the gate had been closed, I could easily have started from Longmire on the Wonderland.
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