Early season trip to Vesper Peak (Mountain Loop/Monte Cristo)

We left the trailhead for Vesper Peak at 9am on Saturday.  For those of you looking for more of a trip report than a quick photo post:  the first part of the trail was in good shape, and the snow leading up to the steep ascent into Headlee Pass was solid with very minimal post-holing.  The steep section into the pass was a little soft, but not bad.  The most hazardous part of our day was someone who intentionally threw their pack down the pass without checking to see who might be below... (who does that?!)  

The route we took was the same as the Summer route with the exception of climbing straight up the would-be switchbacks, so it was super straight-forward.  When the trail runs into snow, you follow the valley straight up to the pass on the right (the route up the pass is marked by dirt and debris).  Once you get to Headlee Pass, you can see Vesper Peak.

View from Headlee Pass.

Andy, Lindsy, and Piko breaking at Headlee Pass

The snow from the pass to the summit was a little bit softer, but still solid enough to be safe at 12pm-ish when we left the pass after lunching.

Carolina leading the crew

The top layer of snow was getting soft as we made the final steep ascent to the summit, but the pre-established boot track made it a LOT easier (thank you skier guys and Carolina...).

Summit selfie :)

Summit ladybug colony!

The rock at the summit was dry so it was an excellent place to sit, and the snow was good and soft for glissading and plunge-stepping on the way down.  We took down a little bit of soft snow with us on the glissades, so it's definitely a trip to get an early start on and check the snow conditions!

We got back to the car around 4:30pm.

Gear used:  Helmet, Ice Axe.  We brought crampons, but didn't use them.

~9mi Round Trip

~4000' gain