Phelps 1-28-06

[Gray Ghost]

We hiked on a solid packed surface that improved with elevation. I'm really bad at estimating snow depths, but there was definitely over 2' of snow off trail near the summit of Phelps. Upon our return, the light snow pack from the Loj to Wright/Algonquin turnoff was pretty butchered, rendering the trail barebootable. I am kind of an amateur when it comes to evaluating Winter trails, but I was very pleased overall with the conditions.

Snowshoes are mandatory for this one. Crampons not needed. There is one tricky icy section just shy of Phelps summit, but my MSR Denali's had no problem with it. Much of the ice was lightly snow covered, which aided our ascent. We did meet a group of ladies who turned back, though. Section from Loj to Algonquin turnoff is barebootable, but using snowshoes the rest of way will help preserve the trail conditions.

Views on Phelps were spectacular. I hiked in a base layer and techwick shirt most of the day. A jacket wasn't even needed on the summit due to the balmy conditions. A little more snowdepth should cover up the remaining exposed rocks. roots, so let's hope for the potential Nor'easter early this coming week.

This was my eleventh High Peak and one of the most enjoyable trips I've been on. It was a relief that we didn't need crampons. I am amazed at how much easier Winter descents are than Summer descents when hiking on a packed trail. Overall, another fantastic day. -GG

[Gray Ghost]

Pic...

The Denalis impressed me again with a stellar performance

A fitting tribute:

[AdkWiley]

So thats what the view of Phelps is on a good day! Ive been up twice in the past months and everytime ive been up there there has been little to no views! Sounds like you had a good time. I'm jelious, I was driving up to Paul Smiths with the windows open and looking at the high peaks, crying a little on the inside. I was planning on headin up cascade and porter but my school work took over and I had to go and work on a project for 3 hours. Awsome

[adkdremn]

Gray Ghost-
How long of a hike is Phelps from the Loj? I'm coming up on a Friday for the weekend, sometime soon hopefully, and was wondering if this would be doable as an afternoon hike from the Loj?
Awesome pic by the way. I can't wait to test out my brand spanking new MSR Denali's. I got the Ascents only because EMS doesn't carry the Denali Classics which would have been fine for me.

[Gray Ghost]

Trip time

Adkdremn, it's kind of hard to say. I'd say an ascent to the summit is doable in around 2 1/2 to 3 hours, but that's making good time with good conditions. It took us a lot longer yesterday just because a member of my party hadn't hiked in a while and we wanted to take it easy. The way out took us only just over two hours though. I'd say if you left at noon or one, summited, then were back down at the Vanny trail or the Dam by dark you would be fine if you had headlamps. It's kinda hard to get lost on those trails. It is an 8.8 mile round trip hike, but only 1.2 of that is any significant climbing. Another plus is how much fun it is--for me at least--to descend on a packed trail. The time one can make on descending can be pretty amazing with the right conditions.

Also, hopefully others will chime in to give you some sound advice. This was only my first ascent of Phelps, so there are others here with much more experience who might give you better tips. -GG

[Gray Ghost]

Wiley, I feel for you. School work can be a drag. Hopefully you can get up there on a clear day.

On an unrelated personal note, as I hiked Phelps I had some pretty good preliminary knowledge, which was confirmed today when my wife and I went to the doctor--I am going to be a father. It feels pretty cool.

I think I should celebrate by topping off another peak.

[Boreal Chickadee]

Congratulations GG!

You may not get in as much hiking but your life will be enriched in ways you never knew possible. Give my best to your wife and keep smiling!

[percious]

Congrats!!!

You going to name it Phelps? (related to another thread)

-percious

[Gray Ghost]

Thanks PB and Percious. No, Phelps is definitely out (see other thread).
PB, you're right. My hiking and fishing are going to be scaled back for sure; I've been lucky in that I've been getting out a lot lately. Hoping to hit another this weekend, but I can never nail down plans until the last minute, unfortunately. I don't know if I can put my finger on it, but hiking with fatherhood on my mind sort of puts things in a pretty cool perspective.

[TheNatrix]

Congrats GrayGhost!