4,156 ft | Osceola | 1 route
Feels like -18°F
Below freezing at all elevations
~2°F drop per 1,000ft
Best Hiking Window
Monday offers slightly reduced winds compared to Sunday night, and the arctic high brings clear skies — but summit temperatures will remain well below zero all day Monday and the wind chill warning remains in effect through early Tuesday morning. The earliest responsible window would be Tuesday, after winds subside and temperatures begin recovering above zero, but be aware that light snow and increasing clouds are forecast Tuesday and winds will begin building again Tuesday overnight. If hiking this week, an early morning start on Tuesday is the most defensible option, but conditions remain serious — experienced winter hikers only.
Trail: Greeley Ponds XC Ski Trail, Mt. Osceola Trail
Conditions: Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular, Snow/Ice - Postholes
“A good base of mostly-consolidated snow, but with a looser top layer in many places. The steeper sections (both on the way to East and between peaks) were smoothed out and consolidated by butt-sledders. It was still possible to kick steps into these portions, but takes some work and sturdy boots. Crampons and/or mountaineering snowshoes with good traction are strongly recommended. It did seem folks were making it up with spikes, but I was very happy with crampons for the descent in particular to cut through the looser layer on top of the snow. Saw a few folks using axes to help climb the steeper parts, but mine stayed on the pack. Snowshoes were great for the ascent, but were sliding when I tried them to descend. XC Ski Trail has been post-holed and generally chewed up by folks without snowshoes. Skiers should use caution, especially if/when these freeze up. [PLEASE DO NOT USE THE SKI TRAIL WITHOUT SKIS OR SNOWSHOES]”
Trail: Greeley Ponds Trail, Mt. Osceola Trail
Conditions: Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular
“Trailhead parking is like Hotel California, you may enter but you'll never leave. Had to park at the Hancock overlook. Chilly road walk (9 degrees) down to trail head. When I returned to parking lot it was 38 degrees. Sun was out with no wind. Bare booted to the trail intersection before strapping on my new SShoes with televators. Trail is in great condition but stay on the narrow path. Much evidence of potholes right of the edge of trail. Trees were shedding their winter coat dropping large snow bombs along the trail. I shmussed a lot of them. Steeps were smooth with a few hints of ice where people have slid down. I didn't go beyond East peak as my 6 week old broken baby toe was saying "no mas". Slow going coming down. Be careful out there.”
Trail: Greeley Ponds Trail, Mt. Osceola Trail
Conditions: Snow/Ice - Frozen Granular
“Light snow fell all day. The trail was completely broken out to the “summit” of main peak. A group attempted to break out the true summit, but deep snow and spruce traps were tricky. The trails are made of loose snow, and everyone who wore spikes looked like they were walking on the beach. Please wear snowshoes. Tip of the hat to Mike and Donna for their work on Thursday.”
Eastern peak of Osceola with challenging Chimney section. Usually combined with Mount Osceola.
Elevation
4,156 ft
Range
Osceola
Rank
#34 of 48
Difficulty
Easy
Coordinates
44.0061, -71.5206
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