faithrunner

I left RR ski lift area at about 0700 and headed up Pioneer Trail (forest road). Hiked to private property gate and found Trail 171 near gate that loops around the property. The run off from the snow made the road a creek bed the higher I climbed. Several long creek crossings. The trail throws you back onto the Jeep trail but soon brings you to the continuation of the trail. That takes you to the Gold Hill Trail juncture. Steep but heavily forested. I think I was the first and only one on the trail. Saw no one coming up.  Took Gold Hill trail to the summit. Steeper and more rugged than I had thought. Switchbacks near the summit were heavily washed out.  The view was spectacular, and the wind was blowing hard. Still some snow on the morning side of the mountains. No animals in sight.  Saw only chipmunks and black squirrels coming up.   Decided to go down Goose Creek Trail instead of back tracking and fighting the ATV traffic on P...