Intermediate Snowshoe - Pinnacle Peak & The Castle (Winter)

This is a mentored lead for Colin Chapman.

We'll meet at the Longmire parking lot at 8:30am for introductions and a discussion of weather/avy conditions as well as the day's route.  When the Longmire gate opens (at approximately 9am), we'll drive from Longmire to the Narada Falls parking lot and get our day started.

We'll trek up the Narada Falls trail, and then follow the Lower Lakes trail to Reflection Lakes.  From there, we'll head south to the ridge north of Pinnacle Peak and then head east into the basin below Pinnacle Peak and The Castle.  Finally, if conditions allow, we'll ascend the saddle between the two peaks or the shoulder to the east of The Castle.

Route: https://caltopo.com/m/D91NP

Weather Forecasts:

• mountain-forecast.com
• NWS

NWAC Forecast: https://nwac.us/avalanche-forecast/#/west-slopes-south

We'll trek at a moderate pace with brief stops for snacks/views. Participants should have an excellentfitness base, as we will have an elevation gain of ~2000ft in just under 2 miles.  Total elevation gain of approx 2200ft, total trip length of approx 6 miles.

Chains must be carried in all cars (even 4WD). Those driving front or rear wheel drive vehicles may be required to install chains.

Park entrance fee or America the Beautiful Pass is required.

Longmire parking lot, adjacent to the National Park Inn: https://goo.gl/maps/FkW4wupxk3x1sofYA

Saturday, December 23rd at 8:30am.