I started at Longmire on the Wonderland Trail (WT) instead of the WTA description of starting at Comet Falls TH. This allowed me to start prior to the gate to Paradise opening.
I headed up the WT for 1.8 miles to a junction. I took a right on to the Comet Falls/Van Trump trail. Left would have been to the Rampart Ridge Loop trail. I then followed the Comet Falls/Van Trump trail up to the junction that leads to Mildred Point. Left, which I took, goes up to Mildred Point. Right is to Comet Falls and Van Trump areas. Trails are well marked throughout this area.
The first 4.4 miles from Longmire up to the Mildred Point trail junction, are through a very nice forested section of the park. Filled with mosses, ferns and small waterfalls. The trail is in great condition. No snow. A few wet spots that one might slide if not being careful. I saw a lot of fungi/mushrooms along this portion of the trail. Especially after I turned off the WT and on to the Comet Falls/Van Trump section.
Once I turned onto the “unmaintained trail” leading to Mildred Point, things got a little tricky. This is approximately 0.6 miles of the total 5 miles to Mildred Point. The first half of the trail was a running stream. This is also where a dusting of snow was present on the landscape. See pic.
The last 0.3 miles up to the point was frozen with a dusting of snow. This is also the super steep and rutted section of this side trail.
I did not use any traction. I simply went a little slower coming down making sure I had a solid footing.
It was at least 20 degrees colder up at Mildred Point then at Longmire. Windy up there too! I took pics and headed back down enjoying all of the fungi still present on the lower portion of the trail.
Another day of no human sightings until I was back at the Longmire parking lot.
Comments
As soon as I saw the hike heading, I knew it was you. I think you have hit all the best late season hikes with no people on the trails. Very nice shot of the Mountain with the snow cover. Looks much different then the one I have in early July. Almost all rock. The fungi are really great. Such detail
When we hiked it there was a snow field on the super steep part . I chose to go off trail and make large Z turns. George tried kick stepping down the snow field. About 30 feet in 3 seconds was his descent speed. Luckily, no rocks or trees on the way down or at the bottom. We also tried your route a couple of years ago. Early June so there was plenty of snow. We managed about a mile or so on the Van Trump/Comet Falls Trail before I fell on a nasty steep, tree covered section and slid into a tree. Got to use my first aid kit and we headed back. We have decided that we can see Mildred Point from Van Trump Park and still have the great views of Van Trump.
Posted by:
slo go on Nov 05, 2023 04:01 PM
Ouch on the fall! I was not sure if I was going to head up to Mildred Point or to Van Trump this morning. I was going to play it by ear once I got up to the junction. I am glad that I did Mildred Point. There was enough ice and frozen trail that I think crossing Van Trump creek would have been sketchy. I was surprised how snow free this trail is...still! I would not do this trail with any snow/ice on the steep section. I really wanted to hit it in the fall for colors. Next year. I realized on the way down, why I didn't see anyone. I was getting off trail at 9:20am. The Paradise gate opens at 9am. I am guessing people aren't aware that they can hike from Longmire. It is nice to have the time change last night so that I could start earlier!
On a different note, probably my last hike of the year. Due to my schedule and I am sure the weather won't last too much longer, it is back to short hikes. Here is to closing out a great year of hiking!!!
Posted by:
Mary&Mollie on Nov 05, 2023 04:37 PM
Mary I've met you several times on trails and last time I had wet boots from attempting to cross a stream on the way up from Box Canyon. Anyway we talked about some WT hiking and said I should look for a certain group online which I no longer remember. Any way of contacting each other? Thanks, Linnieb
Posted by:
linnieb on Dec 28, 2023 06:43 PM
Have you been up here recently? Looking for intel... TY
Posted by:
Lisa Elliott on Jun 25, 2024 05:40 PM