Like probably many on this site, I've been giving some thought to what I'd like to do this coming season. Past practice has shown me that I accomplish maybe half of what I had in mind, but that's OK; I'm still renovating my house and I have to work, such is life. I've written about a past trek, the Grand Tour, which I finally finished off last year (150 miles/50,000' vertical). This year I'm planning a trip that I'd like to do in one shot; the "Petal" circles the mountain and forges up to between 9 and 10,000 feet, making it a bit more technical than the Grand Tour in that crampons and ice axes may be in use, but stopping short of technical climbing as I am most likely going to be solo (unless Luke would like to join me starting at Mowich Lake and ending at White River, some pretty awesome terrain in them parts...PM me if interested). This trip involves 112 miles and 43,000' of vertical, so a leg burner for sure, one that requires some training and warm up trips. I've found that goals like this provide the motivation for getting in proper shape, just like training for a race. Check out the map on my site for a visual to see where I got the name. Cheers!
Interesting, WW. How many days are you targeting?
Since you will be off the Wonderland in several places, why not shortcut a few more sections? Just curious as I've not done much off-trail hiking in MRNP except near Paradise (always on snow).
How many days are you targeting?
Since you will be off the Wonderland in several places, why not shortcut a few more sections?
6 nights, 7 days if I'm in top form. It is difficult to short cut around Rainier due to numerous glaciers and their attendant offspring (raging torrents). I've bypassed the trail in the places indicated on the map but this includes a sketchy crossing of the lower Carbon glacier, something I'll have to look at closely, especially if solo. Otherwise I'd be doing a high altitude orbit of the mountain, a serious mountaineering undertaking crossing numerous glaciers, certainly not recommended without a strong team. The altitude adds up on this because of having to drop from 9 or 10K down to the trail to get to the next section, therefore marking a pretty flower route traced on the map.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate NWHikers.net earns from qualifying purchases when you use our link(s).
