Mount Cannon

Trail: Kinsman Ridge Trail

Conditions: Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder

“Sure there's a storm coming in a few hours, but why not let people know how nice the trail was before the skies open up? Wore spikes door to door today. The trail is hard packed and fast. Snowshoes would be useful for the televators and grip, but you won't need any float unless you go far off the trail. Crossing several of the ski sections required some careful footing, but nothing too difficult. Had to briefly search for the hiker gulley a few times on the final ascent, but the path is found pretty quickly. Don't trip on the view finder near the top - it is very buried.”

Trail: Kinsman Ridge Trail

Conditions: Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder

“Same conditions reported the last two days. With fog and flat light, navigating the last half to quarter mile below the tower was still tricky. Everything looks like a potential trail, so I had Caltopo out frequently to confirm the direction of the trail. That said, I ended up off trail a couple times. The first time following some tracks to the right which ended with signs of snowshoes post holing. Turning around, my right leg dropped into a spruce trap up to mid thigh. If you see these holes, turn around. Tracks also lead to the right at the trail sign (buried and covered by a spruce) towards the Vista Way ski trail but that spur trail is not broken out. This occurs right after a large step up. Head left and almost magically the tower will appear before you!”

Trail: Kinsman Ridge Trail

Conditions: Snow - Packed Powder/Loose Granular, Snow - Unpacked Powder, Snow - Drifts

“Much of the trail is packed and mostly consolidated. And it is pretty cool to walk in the snow marshmallow tunnels. However, there are slicker sections crossing the ski glades (due to all the skier traffic). After the eastern lookout, the trail through the COL is OK, but exposed sections approaching the tower harder to follow due to snow drifting. Many thanks to Ken for breaking the trail through the drifts, and blazing a path for today. He said he lost the trail a few times and had to pull out his GPS to continue. After today's traffic, the trails should be easier to follow, unless there is more drifting. So many thanks to Jen and Sheila for allowing me to join them today. And of course, its always fun to sit down in a warm lodge and grab a bit to eat.”