Woods Gulch

Rattlesnake National Recreation Area, Lolo National Forest, Montana

Beautiful bluebird skies and very cold temps greeted me so I stayed closer to home on todays adventure. I could see a distinct snow line in the Rattlesnake Mountains from my front window so off I went to see how deep the snow was up on top. I carried both the Yak Trax and the snowshoes to see which I would need. Should have used snowshoes up on top but the snow wasn't all that deep so I explored by breaking my own trail in just boots and gaiters. Views were worth the effort to see them.

Ridge near Blue Point, Rattlesnake Mountains, MT

The lower trails were clear but a steady climb quickly put me into intermittent snow that finally turned to completely snow covered by the 3 mile mark. After that it was off trail and up on the ridge line.  I followed 6 sets of Elk tracks for a bit, never did see them.  Valley temps were to reach a high of 27, up on top it was a lot colder. My water bottle iced up and the top froze over, never had that happen on a day hike before. Time to rethink my cold weather hydration strategy. Probably have to put it on the inside of my pack again.