"I would probably recommend this trip to a friend."
Note on the Monte Cristo Road: Parking is at Barlow Pass, as the road is gated, requiring a mile walk in. Monte Cristo Preservation Association (P.O. Box 471, Everett, WA 98206) can purchase a membership and reduced price annual key, highly recommended due to car vandalism at the pass.
The summer of 2002 the road is being worked on until the end of September, primarily the two miles closest to Monte Cristo. In the summer of 2003 the contractor will be working from Barlow Pass the lower two miles, including the spot where the Gothic Basin trail takes off at Twin Bridges.
Expect the road to be closed to motorized vehicles during the week from 8 AM to 5 PM M-F, open at noon Friday through the weekend. Hikers should watch for machinery during work hours. This is a one-time only project, with MCPA resuming maintenance after that.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions.