Hardrock Course June 24-25

Looking from American Basin to American/Grouse pass

American Basin from Handies summit

Starting towards Grizzly Gulch from Handies summit ridge

Descent tracks down into Grizzly Gulch

Looking back up into Grizzly Gulch

Looking down Grizzly

Saddle between Putnam and Porcupine

Dropping into Swamp Canyon

Looking back at Swamp Canyon from Oscars Pass

The classic: Island Lake

     The snow has receded considerably in the last week. Silverton to Oscars Pass was pretty straight forward with patches of snow that were mostly firm. There was some snot slick mud descending into Porcupine Gulch. The steep descent from Grant/Swamp pass is dry. That was on Wednesday 25th. The day before in American Basin was a bit different. A few good patches of firm snow, but also some decent stretches of knee deep slush with a couple holes where I fell to my waist. From the summit of Handies there was one fun glissade to Grizzly Gulch, which had a bit of mud, but nothing too bad. Looks like things will be just about perfect for race day!