Basic Snowshoe - Reflection Lakes Loop

 Longmire gate to Paradise was closed the past six days and the snowplow crew was short-staffed over past week. Hence, due to mid-week storms and National Park Webcams, I really didn't expect Longmire gate to open. I had already accepted the Plan B alternative of a Rampart area snowshoe.

As I entered the Park, the ranger said the gate would open at 9:00am.  Yay! Weather forecasts had indicated light rain all day at Longmire, while Narada Falls forecast was for intermittent light snow. Avalanche danger was Moderate (even below 5,000 feet).  We could mitigate risks by avoiding ridgelines and known avalanche areas, and by staying on trails. 

The group gathered at Longmire at 9:30am, shared introductions, updated conditions, and decided to carpool to Narada Falls. The roads were wet  and clear. As we stepped onto the trail, the temperature was 33 degrees and we had light snow; a pleasant start to the day.  The Narada restroom was open and warm. As we turned left onto the trail, we noticed that we were first to travel on accumulated snow (maybe 8-10 inches). The first 1/4 mile up to Paradise Valley Road was a bit messy due to trees dumping heavy laden branches.  Other than a few Park Skiers, we didn't see anyone until we reached the Lake. 

At Reflection Lake, we noticed the temperature was warming and the earlier light snowfall had turned to a sleeting mist. The fog and clouds prevented us from enjoying the majestic views and we decided to have a quick snack break and travel back, rather than hang around in the rain. Other than a chipmunk, we saw no other animals. Even the hungry birds were hiding indoors somewhere. 

We admired our handy-work using our established trail back to Narada Falls. We noticed during our return that the wet snow was getting heavier so we avoided loitering under snow-laden trees.  Our poles began pulling up heavy wet snow and our arms began to feel the additional strength training. We noticed that the temperature at Narada Falls had risen to 37 degrees  since morning.

We turned off the road and were l/4 mile from the parking lot when we saw two large groups of hikers "post-holeing "  toward us. Once they saw us, both groups turned around and headed back to the parking lot.  It was amazing how much damage they did to the trail. 

We debriefed, carpooled to Longmire, said our "goodbyes" and left Longmire at 2:00pm. It was a successful trip and all of us were glad we came.