Trip Report
Day Hike in the Snow - Pancake Rocks
A crisp, packed-snow winter hike to the Pancake Rocks and back on a bluebird day with few other hikers on the trail
Glenn Barr
- Sat, Dec 30, 2023
- Horsethief Park Trail
- Hiking
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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Packed snow trail was clearly marked and easy to follow. 4/8 of our party wore microspikes for extra traction. Everyone used trekking poles with snow baskets.
The TH was empty when we arrived at 7:50am and the hike started at a brisk 22-degrees with a slight breeze. The trail was mostly in the shade and was a nicely packed snow tread after the 1st two switchbacks. We enjoyed scenic views, the new Rocky Mountain Field Institute (RMFI) installed switchbacks, and the quiet hush of a winter hike. 2 hikers were in front of us and 3 passed us as we hiked the 3.5 miles to the Pancake Rock formation (a little longer with the new switchbacks). At the top we had 3 more folks join us as we enjoyed an extended lunch break. In this clearing, the sun was in full force, the wind had died down, and we shed layers and soaked up some sun while taking pictures. The return trip was uneventful, although plunging back into the shade led to putting layers back on. We hiked from 8:10 to 2:00pm -- at a casual pace with many breaks - to include an extended photo session with a team of Gray Jays (camp robbers) that were posing for the cove of Bird Monthly.
