3.2 mi to summit
6.6 mi total
7,508 ft start
9,829 ft max
2,353 ft gain
4 hr 42 min to summit
7 hr 7 min total
None of us had been in this particular area before. We drove up to the Bonanza Trailhead, contoured over and around a few ridges then headed up a large drainage towards the saddle between Bonanza Peak and Gunsmoke Peak. From there, we took the ridge up to the summit. This was a fun snowshoe hike in a new area. The summit itself provided a bit of excitement, as we had to make our way up a short class 3+ wall with our mountaineering boots on. There was probably an easier way around, but we didn't bother looking. The descent was quick. It was a nice day that never was above 30* F.
routefinding, bushwhacking, snow on route
helmet, snowshoes, trekking poles, mountaineering boots, GPS device
