Distance

4.4 mi to summit

8.8 mi total

Elevation

2,213 ft start

4,183 ft max

Vertical

4,320 ft gain

Time

3 hr 0 min to summit

5 hr 33 min total

Hiked with Kim. We started later in the morning, just after 9am. Took our time to Marcy Dam and then made our way to the Phelps junction. The last mile to the summit was slow paced. Trails were a little mushy on the way down as it was a warm day for January in the high peaks. Bare booted until the last mile, where we put on microspikes. Carried snowshoes all day, but they were never necessary. No trails had more than 8" of snow and almost nobody was wearing snowshoes. Quick hike down and back to the Loj.

Obstacles

stream crossing, no water source, snow on route

Key gear

crampons