Sawteeth

[Backpacker]

Has anybody been up Sawteeth recently? There was one post on "VFTT" but no trail discreption. MPhiker and I might hike this on 3/26. Any information on the trail condition would be nice. We both have snowshoes and crampons. Not sure what way to hike it, up from the lake looks steep, We've came down the weld trail from the lower range trail so we know this route.
Backpacker

[lumberzac]

Take the Weld Brook Trail. Do not take the Scenic Trail from the lake. I learned that lesson last year the hard way.

[starbaby]

There are a lot of changes that take place during the next month. You might find that the trail conditions posted now will be only marginally useful to know what they are in late month.

Lumberzac: I am interested in what you learned "the hard way" on that trip ? Was it icy - dangerous, or was it snowy - deep?

SB

[lumberzac]

Lumberzac: I am interested in what you learned "the hard way" on that trip ? Was it icy - dangerous, or was it snowy - deep?

SB

All of the above. The snow was about chest deep with ice underneath on the steep pitches on unbroken trail. It took my hiking partner and myself over 8 hours to get from the lake to the summit. It only took us about 30 minutes to get back down to the lake via the Weld Brook Trail.

[Neil]

Take the Weld Brook Trail. Do not take the Scenic Trail from the lake. I learned that lesson last year the hard way.

Actually, 'Zac is a wimp.
That scenic trail is nothing more than a very steep 2000 foot vertical climb through unconsolidated chest deep snow. I wouldn't even bother taking my snowshoes for that Sunday-afternoon-walk-in-the-park if it wasn't for the 8 inch regulation.

Well, maybe I would.

[Kevin]

Actually, 'Zac is a wimp.
That scenic trail is nothing more than a very steep 2000 foot vertical climb through unconsolidated chest deep snow. I wouldn't even bother taking my snowshoes for that Sunday-afternoon-walk-in-the-park if it wasn't for the 8 inch regulation.

Well, maybe I would.

[lumberzac]

Actually, 'Zac is a wimp.
That scenic trail is nothing more than a very steep 2000 foot vertical climb through unconsolidated chest deep snow. I wouldn't even bother taking my snowshoes for that Sunday-afternoon-walk-in-the-park if it wasn't for the 8 inch regulation.

Well, maybe I would.

Just for that, may every post you see contain a dancing banana.

[Backpacker]

True trail conditions do change quickly, I was just getting a feel for the better way up. Or pick a different peak to climb. I belive we'll stay away from the senic trail, and the road. We'll go up one side of the river and back the other.

[Neil]

The views of the Great Range from Sawteeth are oustanding. You will want to experience the scenic trail in the summer. Jury is out on which way is best (Clockwise or counter).

[Willie]

Sawteeth 03-12-05

I climbed sawteeth via the Weld trail on 03-12-05. The Lake Road had about 3" of powder. Weld Trail had 3" - 9" of powder (increasing with elevation) over a well-packed trail all the way to the summit.

[Backpacker]

Thanks for the report Willie,