Description: Slush, Mush and Crush Vista Butte on Snowshoes! Come join us to stomp our way up Vista Butte for Lunch and Beverages. If the weather gods smile on us, we hope to enjoy a snow-capped vista across Central Oregon as winter slowly melts its way into summer. Don’t miss this one! You can read more about this trail here.
Please be aware that bad weather conditions can alter or even cancel trips. Also note that the difficulty of any trail can change based on current conditions such as recent snowfall and may necessitate changes to the route. Please be on the lookout for emails from the trip leader regarding the trip.
Distance/hours: Trip is 2-5 miles RT. We may do some exploring and take a different route down to the trailhead that could involve some trail-breaking and that will add more distance. Plan on spending 4-5 hours, including drive time to/from trailhead.
Elevation gain/loss: Approximately 700 ft elevation gain/loss.
Difficulty Level: Difficult due to large gain packed into a short amount of mileage. Any reasonably fit person can do this trip. Probably not for total newbies because of the steep climb near the top. Trip will become more difficult than initially rated if we have to do any trail-breaking because of new snow. All participants will take turns breaking trail, if needed.
What to bring: Winter 10 Essentials, water, snack/lunch.At least one liter or more of liquid for hydration, trail snacks, lunch. Clothing layers including a shell jacket if snow or wind is expected. We expect to keep moving so all group members stay warm. Check the weather the day before and prepare your clothing and layers for the worst weather scenario. Sno-Park permit if you are driving. Dogs are not allowed on this trip.
Required Equipment: Snowshoes, over-the-ankle waterproof boots, gaiters, hiking poles with large baskets for stability especially if we need to break trail. Preferred but not required equipment would be steel edged snowshoes that can bite into side slope and have heel lifters. Pipe snowshoes may have difficulty near the top but will work. I will have at least one extra set of shoes in case you have doubts about your snowshoes.
Number of participants: 10 participants including the trip leader. Sign up is required.
Meet Up Location Information: Meissner Sno-Park lower parking area (low side of the loop). We will meet, talk about the route, arrange carpools to Vista Snow-Park and Go!
Carpooling: Carpooling can be arranged at the meeting place. If you ride with someone, please donate to their gas fund. Be generous for obvious reasons.
Leader: Steve Sangster, 415-305-0509. Text is preferred.
