We started on the Waterville Valley side, which is a heck of a drive for us. However, we did this hike from the Kanc (Greely Pond Trail) a couple summers ago, and that trail is No Joke Steep. So, with ice still in full effect we decided the drive was warranted.
We also got a 5 mile road walk with this option, but we look at is as good practice for the longer days ahead.
It was Easter Sunday and the trend of this holiday making for quiet hills continued. We saw nobody on the trail, and one hiker finishing before we began (doesn't count.)
As is typical, we saw all seasons. Some Spring (the rocks are emerging.)
Definitely some winter, and for SURE the worst conditions we have had this year.
Post hole slime city mess, PLUS about 3" new snow for most of the hike which made it a drag.
Despite the mess, we had a good hike and enjoyed being able to catch a few views.
The main summit is always lovely, and we did manage to see off into the distance.
We could also see things like the next storm coming!
The stretch to the East peak is the hardest part of this hike. Mt. Osceola trail is considerably easier than Greely Pond, so the trickiest stuff you'll find is on the way to East. The chimney bypass was quite passable- and the bypass to the bypass was as well. There were a couple pretty steep stretches that provided a challenge- too much slush for our micro spikes to gain purchase on, but we managed well enough.
Low quality Summit at east peak.
But, the sun shone on us!!
And winter was still in full effect.
We did not crank up the time on the descent as we usually do, conditions were just too shitty. It snowed. It was dumb. We fell in postholes. Growing tired of the tricky conditions, my left foot began squeaking and complaining with a mile of trail to go, which was annoying. Weak ass foot.
We were happy to get back to the road and make up some time!
This is a good hike, and a fun one despite the crap. Pure type 2 fun today, to be honest (we cursed a lot...) So this takes care of the Osceolas for spring, April and for this round of the 48.
And the moral of the story here, is that this is the far easier route up this mountain.
Miles: 13.1
elevation: 3670
Time: 5:31:52
Fun: 6.5 (but both of us remember it much more fondly now that 6 days have gone by, hahaha!)
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