[Elvis]

Granite Mountain has been on my to-do list for a few years and almost all the pieces fell into place today to make this a reality.

Thanks, Lykkens, for the recent trail beta - it helped immensely with packing.

There is still quite a bit of ice after you cross over to the opposite side of the ridge, so yak trax or Stabilicers would be put to good use on the upper part of this trail.

I saw some deep footprints in the ice/water and have a hunch they are evidence of the Lunatiques trip (pic posted below).  No wonder you all looked chilly in those pics. 

Lots of nice people on the trail today, but no wildlife of any kind --- except for bugs (believe it or not).

Despite the fantastic weather and great views, my body simply wasn't willing to cooperate on the trail today.  Calf and thigh cramps started to plague me at about the 2 mile mark and despite my slowing pace, frequent hydrating and eating they wouldn't relent.

When my turnaround-time alarm sounded I was so close to the lookout, but my pace was only slowing and the cramps were increasing... so I'll have to head back next summer to finish the last 300 feet of vertical. 

Even so, it was a beautiful day on the trail and I'm glad I became familiar with a trail that is 'new-to-me'.

~E

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Sedro-Woolley:  Where butter is a spice and gravy is a beverage.
"Ill habits gather unseen degrees, as brooks make rivers, rivers run to seas."  ~John Dryden
My Trip List

[Grizzy]

Don't worry about not making it, the last time I "made it" there I could see all of 20 feet in each direction ...which sucked considering the views there! I am now going to officially experiment with calcium pills to prevent cramps...( I was woken up by some doozies last night, took some calcium...drank some water, and the cramps ended rapidly)

Great TR

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Favorite Onion headline: '95% of Americans Support Public Transit for Other People.'

[Go Jo]

Wow, it looks like a different place without 10 inches of snow covering the rocks. It always amazes me how rapidly the mountains can change. Glad you made it up in such promising weather, I had a feeling it would get a little more icy with each passing day of sun. And don't worry about missing the look out, I think the upper meadows are the highlight of this trip... muscle burning elevation gain is highly over rated  ~Jo

[GaliWalker]

I almost went there yesterday, but decided to opt for Mt Si because of some time issues (first time off the couch in a month for me). It was a gorgeous day and some of the best views of Rainier I've seen recently.

[SK]

Definitely adding this one to my list. Looks pretty amazing up there. 

[mountaineer ordinaire]

With clear skies, a light breeze, and temps near 50, today, it felt like mid-September on the summit.

[seattlehikertoo]

I wholeheartedly disagree about Granite Lookout. However, I will say that it takes more strength to turn back than to succumb to summit fever.