Hello! Newer forum member here, but hopefully I’ve done enough homework/legwork on this forum to avoid supernoob questions…
My wife and I will be heading out for the Mountaineer’s Route the last weekend in April. Our background includes a dozen+ CO 14ers, any other hikes we can find, and guided climbs of Rainier (2x), the Grand Teton, Mt. Hood.
I would be interested in the group’s thoughts on a couple questions we’re thinking through at the moment…
- Do conditions this year seems better/worse for a 1 day push in late April? I’m sure it depends on recent weather...we are in great (flatlander) shape and are comfortable starting/ending in the dark (with some pre-scouting of the E-ledges), but also want to be able to relax and enjoy the scenery here and there.
- If we decided to spend the night, what are conditions at Iceberg Lake/UBSL/LBSL (any of the above) in late April? I’m primarily thinking about wind, and whether a lighter 3-season tent would cut it, but also whether our 20-degree bags are sufficient.
- What are water sources like below/above the moraine this early? If we spend the night we can melt snow, but we have to think about our water carry if we try for 1 day.
Thanks for any experience/insight! If anyone is planning to head up April 28, 29, or 30, let me know!
