3 replies to this topic

[Gandalf]

Ok, I know there is already topics discussing the trail conditions, so I apologize for any duplication. Naturally, I am focused on some of the trails that I am planning doing when the wife and I finally make it back to RMNP this coming Sunday (after 3 years away). Does anybody know the current outlook for the Odessa Loop from Bear? John's pictures have me a bit apprehensive about the depth of snow we'll encounter. We have always visited in July, so we are not used to this much snow.

Also, is there much snow up to Emerald, and from Bear to Bierstadt? We also thought about doing Ida, which I assume is relatively clear thanks to the wind above treeline. Ok enough rambling, thanks everyone.


--Gandalf--

[JasonMa]

Bear to Bierstadt had some snowpack on it 3 weeks ago, but we managed it. We had trekking poles but we saw people doing it without poles. By now I would think it would be fairly clear.

[cardinal]

I went up to Flattop and then back down and over to Lake Helene last Thursday, the 30th of June. Still taking the winter trail from Dream Lake overlook up to treeline. But..... what was more surprising to me was the route to Lake Helene. About 1/2 mile west from the Flatttop/Odessa intersection the trail was esentially snow. The more I headed west the deeper it got. When I broke out of the first treeline section to my surprise there was significant snow, out in the open. No trail to be seen. The snow was hard, no postholeing, but I basically made my way to Helene without hte benefit of a route (I have been there may time in both summer and winter so knew I would not get lost). And I mean a lot of snow, at least 3' to 4' deep if not more. I ran into a ranger on the way back and he indicated that he was going to try to make the loop that day. Apparently there have been hikers up there that have gotten disoriented this season and the rangers have had to go find them. I imagine after you turn the corner to head down to Odessa there will be a very large and steep snowfield. I would defninitely take crampons. If you get to Odessa Lake you should be fine the rest of the way.

[Qbert]

I've been watching for updates on the Odessa Loop since I too have it on my list for next week.
Here's the latest from the NPS website:

Trail: Bear Lake to Fern Lake Trail
Date: 7/4/11
By: Ranger
Trail is clear and dry from Bear Lake to approximately one mile beyond the Flattop Trail junction. From that point to Odessa Lake the trail is approximately 80% snow-covered and requires route finding in sections. Several potentially dangerous snowfields must be crossed between Helene and Odessa. The trail is clear and dry from just beyond Odessa out to the Fern Lake trailhead.

Trail: Emerald Lake
Date: 7/4/11
By: Ranger
Snow free to footbridge at Dream Lake. Patchy snow between Dream and Emerald, then packed snow 100 yards before Emerald. Poles recommended.