Lolo National Forest, Montana
Only 2 to 3 inches of fresh snow as I started the trail, but mine were the first footprints in the fresh powder. Steady climbing quickly got me to deeper snow. Always fun to be the first through any snow.
I followed the Ravine trail for the first 2 miles, then I went off trail working my way to the ridgeline. Usually there is enough wind through this canyon that the trees are quickly blown free of the snow on the branches. Not today though so there were some interesting views as I went along.
At times it was a challenge to find my way through the interlaced branches. I followed a game trail for a bit and that helped but deer are lower than I am and fit better in places.
But I kept getting snow down my neck from every little branch I bumped. Normally I like the way the lichen is on the trees, but not so much today.
While near the top of one ridge I could look south towards the next one over. That was as clear a view as I got all day long. It looked like winter.
By the time I got back near the trailhead, others had been on the lower stretches of the trail and the snow was tracked up. Made for a cold but pretty day. Not a lot of color today but it was a fun trip and I always like exploring off trail. I also knew I had left some snacks in the car so the kept me moving once I got back on trail.
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