Winter Scramble - Mineral Butte

The trip starts with an easy road hike and continues to about 3900'.  Then there is an unmaintained trail until about 4000'.  Some stayed on the road until it ended while a few others cut a few switchbacks.   Photo courtesy of Fionnuala Morrish.

We hit a trace of snow around 2300', but didn't hit any real snow till about 3000'.  Snowshoes went on sometime after.  We come to some of our first views.

 Photo courtesy of Fionnuala Morrish.

Off the road and into the forest.  Large snow bombs are falling off the trees so many put on their helmet.

Heading to the ridge that will take us the summit.  The new snow is heavy.We've arrived at the open slope and take time to discuss.  The avy forecast was moderate today and we don't need to be on this open slope for long.  The 9 of us decide to head up in groups of 3 with each group having 1 shovel.  Photo courtesy of Rochelle Garcia.

The first group are near the trees and the second group is on its way.Once we have regrouped in the trees we continue on along the ridge.Another much shorter section of open slope.

Then into the trees again.Just below the summit.  Photo courtesy of Mark EiseltThe views are spectacular, especially with the recent snow.

We spend about half hour on the summit for lunch and view enjoyment.  Photo courtesy of Fionnuala Morrish.

Time to descend.  Photo courtesy of Fionnuala Morrish.

Back on the road, which all of us take except for 1 switchback cut which we all do as well.  We're down about 6pm.  What a great day with a great group!!  My Gaia read 10.75mi/3966' gain.