RTSpoons
03-14-2011, 01:54 PM
Sunday, March 13th: After a fun day going over Pyramid and Gothic it was time to decide on the day's hike. I wanted something not quite as strenuous but with views, so I decided on a Noonmark to Round Mountain loop. The climb up Noonmark was just about right for my legs, not to hard but not easy. Noonmark offers great views, the lower Great Range, Dial, Nippletop, Dix, and more. The day was cloudy with modest winds and the temperature was this shy of hot. Over Noonmark and down toward Round Pond. The trail down was broken but who ever came up this way sure had a hell of a time. The postholes with snowshoes on were at least knee deep at times so they really had to work to get to the summit. I met two guys coming up Felix Adler trail, who had used the trail between Noonmark and Round but had not climbed Round. The sun came out for a while and as many of you probably have experienced it makes all the difference in your attitude. The snow was softer down low but not mash potatoes. I came to the unbroken trail for Round. The trail is marked adequately but I did lose it a few times as I climbed. The wood were mostly open and the snow remained supportive enough to make trailbreaking fine. At the mountain provides great views of the Dix Wilderness area and eastward. I decided to go down the Burns Weston trail which I knew was not broken instead of returning over my track. For those who are worried about a sagging butt, climb this trail in the summer a few times and your butt will be nice and firm. The drop down was steep but trail is well defined. I was hoping to have views toward Giant but the trail is well in the woods. About half way down I lost the trail but was able to find it again. If I hadn't things could have become interesting. At some points you hear road noise and the temptation to head toward the sound could make your day very interesting. You are parrallel to Chapel Pond and the cliffs of that area. Eventually with ever softening snow I made my way to the final section of the trail which travels along the rim of the small cliffs approaching the parking area. One would not know about this interesting area because we all go right up the road toward the goft course.
The loop worked out very well and proved to be a very satisfying hiking day.
All the pictures are from this hike except the first two of Rainbow Falls.http://picasaweb.google.com/RTSpoons/2011-03-13
Just click on my gallery and you will see the pictures with the corresponding date.
The loop worked out very well and proved to be a very satisfying hiking day.
All the pictures are from this hike except the first two of Rainbow Falls.http://picasaweb.google.com/RTSpoons/2011-03-13
Just click on my gallery and you will see the pictures with the corresponding date.