Spencer Harsh

Spencer Harsh

Hike to Williams Lake and Wheeler Peak

07/17/16

A couple friends and I hiked Mt. Wheeler back in June. We all had light day gear and were going up the slopes as a day hike that started at 9am. Once we started hiking up the trail that led to the peak, snow was found in the tree line. It was a neat factor in the hike as it blocked some sections of trail and created a decent amount of mud. At some spots, the snow made us take some careful steps around a few switchbacks as a slip would've resulted in a good fall and slide. A few of use brought some Outdoor Research gaiters since we anticipated snow and we're happy to have done so. They helped keep out boots and feet dry. After the tree line was cleared, there was a decent breeze that helped us stay cool. Upon clearing the tree line, the trail started to produce really wide switchbacks. In order to save time, we fanned out in order to minimize impact on grass and plants and schwacked up steep sides of the mountain that were mostly grass. I do not encourage doing this if you are not a strong hiker as the steep climb can wear you out, especially if you aren't acclimated to the altitude. After a few more schwacks, we finally followed one last chunk of trail up to the saddle of the peak. As we hit the saddle, a lot of us were happy to have brought jackets as the wind at the top added a pretty decent chill on a summer day. As we reached the peak, we took a photo op and found a mountain sheep to hangout with. Wheeler Peak is defiantly a great picture and nap spot. On the way down, we decided to live dangerously. Several large snowbanks were still above the tree line and made for great slides down the mountain in order for a quick descent. Again, the gaiters helped us keep our feet dry. The hike down was certainly quicker and it was neat to hike back through an almost different terrain. As it got later in the day, more snow had melted and more watery trails were produced as a result. At the end of the trek, each of us had consumed several snacks, two liters of water each, and thankfully used no first aid gear. Wheeler Peak is a great day hike and I would certainly encourage it and do it again!

5.0