Also on this trip
Trails Used
Nineteen-Mile Brook Trail, Wildcat Ridge Trail, Carter Dome Trail, Carter Moriah Trail
Trail Conditions
Equipment
Notes
First 1.8 miles to Carter Dome junction is mostly bare ground with some easily avoidable icy spots, bare boots are fine. Between the junction and Carter Notch, rock spikes work best for now, half the trail has running water that has undermined the snow and ice, and the other half is a foot or two of snow, which was solid on Sunday morning. Wildcat Ridge Trail to A Peak is snow with a few icy spots, some side-hilling going on. I went up in my rock spikes, but put on sharper ones for the descent. Carter Notch to Carter Dome starts with bare ground and ice in between rocks. I kept my sharper spikes on and walk up the ice, but rock spikes and hoppingfrom rock to rock through the steeps would be fine too. Afterthe outlook, it becomes more snow than ice. The trailwas firm,but it was a bumpy ride. Carter Dome to Zeta Pass begins with some impressive old rotting snow drifts. As it gets warmer,expect to sink to your knees/waist coming off the summit. Between the two junctionsfor Hight, there is an annoying but firm, for now, side hill, anywhere from a foot to three feet above the ground. Zeta Pass to Middle and South Carter has some bare ground, ice, and snow. Rock spikes work best. Carter Dome Trail descending from Zeta Pass is an ice flow for the first 0.25 miles until 3600'. Pretty impressive and slow going. Below 3600' it's mostly bare ground with some ice flows around drainages, which can all be tiptoed around with care. Below the water crossing, there's a little more ice in the trail, but it's not too difficult and was soft by late morning. Bring your rock spikes and patience if hiking the Cats and Carters over the next few weeks, expect slippery conditions!
Parking
Quiet day at Nineteen-Mile Brook Trailhead. three cars at 7am and about ten at 12PM
Water Crossings
The minor crossing on Carter Dome Trail can be rock hopped. The crossing just below the switchbacks can be rock hopped with care, or you can cross on an elevated log.