Date Hiked: 11-18-07

Conditions: Hiked in to Flowed Lands - A few inches of snow at the trailhead, increasing to 6" at the leanto. We took a short-cut skirting the eastern edge of Flowed Lands, and forded the inlet stream in a shallow location where there were some gravel shoals. This required a fast splash through one 6 foot channel where the water was maybe 8-10" deep, and jumping up on the opposite bank. From there cut across a meadow area to the camping location on the Opalescent. The new herdpath to Cliff starts 20' from the lean-to path, and conects with the Redfield path for ways, then bears sharply right to Cliff. Snow depth increased to about 12" near the top of Cliff, but we barebooted with no issues. The trail up Cliff has numerous very steep snow-covered rocky pitches which required frequent "vegetation assists". Extreme care is needed in these, as ice and snow make it easy to fall off. Trail was difficult to find, but the frequent sawed logs provided confirmation that we were, in fact, still on trail. (The curse of desecration, the blessing of proof) Traverse across top, to true summit seemed endless, but is easy to follow. Great views at various places, under crystal clear skies. A full day, about 12.5 hours of hiking.

Special Required Equipment: Stabilicers or small hiking crampons would be useful for the acent of Cliff. Full winter gear for snow and cold.

Comments: Now that this trail is packed out, it should be easier to find and follow.

Submitted by: Rich Elton