Also on this trip

Trails Used

Cog Rail Trail, Gulfside Trail, Mt. Jefferson Loop Trail, Mt. Clay Loop

Trail Conditions

Equipment

Notes

Up and down the cog to Jefferson. On the way back, I went over Clay (bypassed it on the way to Jefferson). Spikes from the trailhead to about 4,000, where I put on crampons. The section up through Jacob’s Ladder was, like last weekend, icy enough that I definitely wanted crampons. Once I got to the top of the steeper portion, spikes went on and stayed on the rest of the day, including the descent down the cog. Above tree line is a mix of rocks and frozen granular. In general there’s more rock than not, but I definitely wanted spikes. There are a couple of quite impressive snow fields on the east side of Clay. They’re supportive for now but will likely soften up. No more need for snowshoes if you’re going above tree line and taking the cog both ways. Spikes and crampons only. IMHO an ice axe is overkill but I did see some people carrying them past Jacob’s Ladder.

Parking

Parked at cog. $10.