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CHS 2 Hike - Gothic Basin

Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series

CHS 2 Hike - Gothic Basin

CHS hike led at a CHS 2 pace (2.0-2.5 mph). Up to Foggy Lake if surface conditions allow, if too much snow is still on the ground we'll bail to Silver Lake

Contacts

Craig Behnke
Craig Behnke
Primary Leader
  • Strenuous
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 10.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 3,200 ft
  • Pace: 2.0-2.5 mph

Hikers wishing to carpool will meet at 6:30 am at the Ash Way Park & Ride in Lynnwood, targeting being on the road by 6:45. The drive to the Barlow Pass parking area is about 1:20; if anyone would prefer to meet at the trailhead, we should be there a bit after 8:00am targeting boots on and hiking by 8:15.

This is a very challenging hike up a steep mountainside with lots of switchbacks. While the overall elevation gain seems moderate at a bit over 3000 feet, all of that gain happens at once after long flat hike along an old mining road-- don't look at the stats and expect an easy walk. There will very likely be snow at the top, microspikes are mandatory equipment for this hike (and poles strongly recommended), and hikers should feel comfortable with some snow travel. If snow conditions aren't suitable for hiking, we'll re-route to Silver Lake instead.

Route/Place

Gothic Basin


  • Green Trails Mountain Loop Highway No. 111SX
    Green Trails Sloan Peak No. 111
    Green Trails Monte Cristo No. 143
    USGS Sloan Peak
    USGS Monte Cristo
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

In addition to the ten essentials, all hikers must bring microspikes and preferably hiking poles; without spikes there's a good chance you won't be able to complete the hike to Foggy Lake. Email the hike leader if you need to borrow spikes & we can figure something out.

Ten Essential Systems

  1. Navigation (map & compass)
  2. Sun protection (sunglasses & sunscreen)-- with snow likely a the top, sunglasses & sunscreen are important!
  3. Insulation (extra clothing)
  4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
  5. First-aid supplies
  6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle)
  7. Repair kit and tools
  8. Nutrition (extra food)
  9. Hydration (extra water)
  10. Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tube tent/garbage bag)
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