I saw a recent posting elsewhere that stated the trail was clear of snow from the northern trailhead for at least two miles.  I would guess you could probably make it quite a ways down the trail (maybe all the way to Elk Lake), but the creek crossings would be pretty deep.  I've only done them in the summer when the water is at most knee deep.  I would guess know it would be at least thigh deep (and COLD).

I was out hiking today and noticed that Fish Creek Mtn looked clear of snow, quite a change from 2 weeks ago when I was out last.

Don

The Red Hill Snotel at 4410 melted out 5 days ago. Definitely an early year - and the mosquito season should be early and short unless it starts raining again, which would make it longer.

Time to go somewhere up there!

   Minor snow patches at 4500 - 5000 on north side of French Creek Ridge above Detroit.  The road is blocked on the north side by a bigfall below Dog Tooth Rock and Opal Lake Trail head.  Had to walk to the pass and trail head.  Road from Detroit is open.  

   DON"T HIKE ALONE...I have been wandering around out there by myself for years with only minor problems.  Yesterdays hike there were two of us.  The trail gave away near the west Martin Butte and my trail partner broke her leg.   I can say with relatively certainty that had she been alone she would have had a high probability of dying up there.   I have always been confident in my abilities in the back country.  That accident has changed my view on what is safe and what is not.  Find a partner!!

   No bugs yet....but they will be coming soon...Happy trails.

Sorry about the broken leg.

A good thing for us all to contemplate.

Don 2