Trip report by: Corey Holly
"I would definitely recommend this trip to a friend."
I'm a beginner at real extensive hiking. I went to the trail to Lookout Mountain and Monogram Lake with a simple intention of getting to see the view from the old lookout on LM. I believe the ascent is close to 1000ft per mile and the total ascension is about 4900ft. It is pretty steep and really tried my stamina and strength.
Once I was within 100ft or so of the summit though, I lost the trail. Two other people had apparently climbed this mountain before I did that day and I tried to figure out where their trail was. It seems that a snow-patch may have been covering the original trail. I really don't know.
With what seemed to be the last of my strength and by the Grace of God, I did reach the lookout, and hence the summit and the view was incredible! I ate lunch and took pictures then headed down hoping to find the real trail from the lookout, that would connect me with the trail I had left, before losing the last summit portion. But I couldn't find it and in my ignorance I simply slid down an embankment covered with low moist plant life until I landed back onto the trail. I lost my cheap Casio watch in the process and ruined my shorts with ground in dirt.
From there I followed the rest of the trail back down. The hike was enjoyable but in the future I would rather have better shoes, a water filtration system (or more than the three quarts of water I took with me), bug repellant (flies galore!), real hiking poles, and a friend/companion to share the experince with. I was blessed to make this hike on what little experince I have. It really wiped me out but it surely was a beautiful summit!
Editor's note: The avalanche chute below the summit of Lookout Mountain is dangerous and prone to avalanche. In most years, it melts out and exposes the series of long switchbacks that lead to the summit. Take care.
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.