Posted by Bill Kirk
on 6/28/2009, 8:50 am, in reply to "Re: Main Trail Alternative in August"
66.215.193.27
It depends on a lot of stuff. I went with 3 freaks, a guy runs marathons, a triathlete and my regular partner, who considers himself out of shape at my top fitness level...which I was not at in 2004.
The key to the trip is getting over the pass and down to Lower Rock Creek Crossing on the first day...Lower Soldier Lake might work to split up the days 1 and 2. We started early, took the South Fork Trail, to minimize ups and downs and sand. This involves some cross country travel to an obvious destination...the NAP Trail below Long Lake. We stopped at High Lake for a full lunch and a bit of rest. Then, it was to top of NAP and another break. We figured if we got to the top of NAP the rest of day would take care of itself. We stopped again at Rock Creek Crossing for a foot soak and head dunk, then cruised to Lower Rock Creek Crossing. It was a very long day. About 15 miles
The next day is easier, except for Guyot Pass. We stopped at the top of the pass, just before dropping into Crabtree Meadow, at Upper Crabtree Meadow for a foot soak and some time with the sitdown john. Then, it was on to the Tarns, our launch point for the summit. About 10 miles.
We were on the summit at dawn. You have to start early to do it, before 2 AM. It is very easy to walk off the trail until you reach the switchbacks up to Lower Trail Crest, with 7 in your group this should not be an issue. There, it is off with the pack for the easy run over to the summit and back...by this time you are at least fairly acclimated to the elevation. We stopped at the summit, back at Lower Trail Crest, at Consultation Lake and the Lone Pine Lake area before exiting down the old trail at the north fork...saving another half mile.
Another Main Trail Alternative is the Main Trail. Let me explain, last July we walked in at 10 AM and got permits for same day on the MMWT. However, there were 2 of us, not seven...this will work against you on the getting main trail, NAP and exit permits.
Here's another couple of suggestions...
If there are not enough permits for NAP or enough exit permits, split your group for the first day. Have some go over NAP, the rest go over Cottonwood Pass...let the stronger folks go over Cottonwood, its less climb but the trail rocks and rolls and is more sandy, making it a harder first day in my mind. Exit permits are good for the day before and after it assigned date...according to the last person I spoke to at the Reservation Office. Again, split your group to take advantage of the rules...you will all summit and exit together. Lastly, if both Cottonwood Pass and NAP are full up...utilize the no quota Trail Pass Trail. Just tell the clerk your intentions are to summit Trail Peak on your way in, if there are any questions from the clerk.
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