CHS 2 Hike - Indian Bar, Panhandle Gap & Summerland

This is a nice opportunity to experience part of the Wonderland Trail in one day, but expect a long day (previous years the trip took 10-11 hrs.)  We will plan on having short breaks every 60-90 minutes and a longer lunch break. 

More will be communicated via email to registered participants to coordinate carpool and gear.  Depending on snow conditions, microspikes may be necessary.  We will also have water filters.  

You can take a look at the profile of the hike here:  https://caltopo.com/m/BK30TTB

Basically, there two major "climbs" - the first is about 2500' over 3.8 miles - a similar grade to Rattlesnake/Squak mountain but longer.  We then get to enjoy the gorgeous area around Indian Bar before a steeper climb of 1600' over 1.6 miles.  The grade of this climb up to Panhandle Gap is similar to Mt Si Old Trail, a bit steeper than Granite Mountain, and kind of like a milder Cableline.   A major lesson from previous trips is to avoid doing the final climb with a full stomach, so the plan is to "summit" before lunch.  So you may want to  have a hearty breakfast and snack along the way.   We then descend 3000' over  5.5 miles to Summerland TH.

I have done up to the Panhandle gap from both directions but not yet able to complete the through-hike.  I hope the snow conditions will be favorable this year and we get to enjoy the spectacular through hike together!

Because this is a key exchange hike, carpooling together is required to the trailhead. We'll carpool from La Wis Wis campground, exact departure time TBD but be prepared to start the hike at 6 or 6:30 in anticipation of the long hike.   i.e. get to sleep early Friday night!