When we arrived at the trailhead parking for Grizzly Peak there was some snow and ice on the ground. That would be our theme for Monday's hike. But with snow and ice, mud and water from snow melt our group of 15 cautiously headed up the trail. We had no snow shoes or yak-traks just our hiking boots for this early snow. To add to the challenge, two large deadfall trees had fallen across the trail. We all carefully made our way over the big logs thanks to David's helping hand. 😊

Upon reaching the top, we found about 2 to 3 inches of ice and snow on the trail. The sky was overcast with only brief moments of sun breaking through. The temperature had a wind chill in the 30s and 40s when it was calm.

We followed the trail out through the "Christmas Tree Lot" and up onto the shale plateau for views of the valley and surrounding mountains and low clouds against a blustery wind and a short lunch out on the rock steps.

The snow turned the top of Grizzly into an early Winter Wonderland ably captured by our photographers.

We took "baby steps" on downhills to prevent slipping. Everyone made it back to the parking unscathed.
We had hiked 5 miles with 600' of gain.