[Now I Fly]

With NWAC reporting "Low' avy conditions it seemed like the right day to do the loop. This route has become a favorite winter trip for me. The Pratt Trail is not too exciting, but at the moment it's packed down nicely and makes for speedy traveling to tie this loop together. Stats, 9 miles +/- 4,500 +/- elevation gain. Moving time, 4:52 Elapsed Time 8:17 Equipment, Microspikes Crampons Snowshoes Mountaineering Boots Axe & Poles (I used all of it)

Granite Winter-West Granite-Pratt Lk Trail loop

Finding the best snow was challenging after leaving the trail. I began in crampons. Snowshoes might have been a better way to start this route today.

Breaking out of the trees the snow was still only marginally supportive.

The conditions firmed up as I climbed.

Even with NWAC'S report of low avalanche danger careful route finding is required.

Finishing the Winter Route

Starting down Granites NW ridge.

Looking back as I travel down to the saddle between Granite and West Granite.

Filled in nicely.

Working down Granite's NW ridge

Looking back as I climb towards West Granite, Granite beyond.

looking back at Granite Mountain from West Granite. West Granite has had some traffic over the holiday.

The usual suspects from West Granite's NNW ridge

working down West Granite's NNW ridge.

Working down towards Olallie Lake and the Pratt Lake trail. Avoid the boulders by staying on the ridge until you near the saddle.

There was a nasty layer of ice beneath the fresh snow on the lower third of this ridge. I stayed in my snowshoes, but crampons would have worked better. Snowshoes did work great from the saddle to the Pratt Lake Trail, where I switched to mircospikes. This route has seen at least a few folks on it recently. Cheers B!

[neek]

That's a favorite loop of mine as well, thanks for the update

[Now I Fly]

[pula58]

I love going up the winter (ridge) route on Granite. It is almost always windy and exciting! Been nearly blown-over a few times!

[puzzlr]

You seem to have an excess of winter energy lately! You're really ticking off climbs since New Years.

[Now I Fly]