Logo

Home

Bunchgrass Ski/Snowshoe, 19 January, 2025

Fourteen people braved the cold weather, ten on snowshoes (Ralph, Jane, Brent L, Michelle, Susan, Kathy, Sue, Bruce, Linda, and Jesse), three on skis (Dave W, Teresa, and Dave P, leader), and one on split snowboard (David).  The temperature in the Smith’s parking lot was 14ºF, at the trailhead it was 16ºF, and 18ºF a little after noon at Goring Pond, where we stopped for lunch before heading back.  It was thinly overcast and the sun came out briefly.  Fortunately there was little wind.  Everyone was prepared for the cold, and as we climbed there were frequent stops to shed layers.

A few inches of light snow had accumulated the day before on a firm base, so skiing conditions were very good.  We saw a few tracks, including a meandering shallow trench likely made by a porcupine.  Bunchgrass Creek and spring areas were still visible in a few places below 2 to 3 feet of snow. There was no sign of water in Goring “pond”, but it had a few cattails poking out of the snow.

On the way back we passed three pairs of skiers with telemark or alpine-touring gear. One pair said they had seen mountain lion tracks leading from the trail and a deer carcass buried in the snow here before, and were going to search for tracks again.  Come to think of it, no one mentioned seeing deer tracks, so maybe deer got the message.
Trip Summary:
  • 14 Participants: Ralph, Jane, Brent L, Michelle, Susan, Kathy, Sue, Bruce, Linda, Jesse, Dave W, Teresa, David and and Dave P (leader).
  • Drove 23 miles up Logan Canyon and parked at the "Slow Vehicle Turnout" area near the Bunchgrass Trailhead.
  • Started on the trail about 10:45, lunch about 12:20 - 12:50. Back at the trailhead about 1:45 and Logan by 2:30.
  • Temperatures in the teens, light overcast, with calm winds, enough sun for shadows in the afternoon
  • Traveled about 3.7 miles with about 800 feet of ascent.

Thanks to Dave P for the narrative and photos, Dave W, Jane, and Sue for photos, and Ralph for photos and GPS data.


Climbing up from the US-89 trailhead

The Bunchgrass Creek crossing - compare with previous years


The well-packed trail made for easier travel
 A possible porcupine track

Cache Hikers, on the White Pine-Bunchgrass Canyon Trail

Ascending the hill below Goring Pond

Our lunch stop near Goring Pond

Heading down from Goring Pond after lunch


Signs at the trailhead informed summer and winter users of motorized vehicle restrictions

Our GPS track shows about 3.7 miles and nearly 800 feet of ascent.
You can look at our route using Google Earth or download our GPS file.