Trip report by Ranger Mike
Hypothermia -- Know what it is. Know how to prevent it. Even though the September temperatures were fairly moderate at the trailhead, the summit had temperatures in the upper 30s to low 40s with 20-30 mph winds. Overnight at the summit was cold, windy and socked in.
Huckleberries were plentiful. Bear scat (poop) was seen several places along the trail. In looking through the ranger's log we keep in the lookout, bears aren't uncommon this time of year on Granite Mountain.
Photo: Interior of the old Granite Mountain lookout station. (Ranger Mike photo.)
There are few flat spots for tent sites on the summit. One party camped on the helipad. Not a bad place -- their tent held up fine despite the really hard winds. Below the summit, please avoid camping on fragile meadows. There are some areas with mineral soil that make suitable campsites. Free-standing tents can utilize some of the large rock slabs.
Sigh. Looks like the end of the season. Time to sharpen the ice axe and pull out the snowshoes. The summer tent goes into mothballs for a bit, and out comes the winter tent (two pounds heavier). Maybe we can eke out a few more weeks.
Stats: 4 miles, 3800' elevation gain. Moderate, steep.
Getting there: Pratt Lake Trailhead for trails: Pratt Lake #1007, Granite Mountain #1016.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.