In keeping with the necessary theme of hikes that are local and not too adventurous, we took advantage of today’s gorgeous weather to reprise a favorite snow hike to the summit of nearby Mount Ashland. The ski area there had gathered a good base despite this year’s drought, but its lodge and lifts had to close early because of the Big V. Fortunately, the area and the forest around it are still open and there is plenty of snow to muck about in.
To keep things simple, we hiked to the summit mostly on Forest Road (FR) 20 and the service road (with a touch of cross-country) and descended via the ski slopes. Although there were a few posthole moments, the snow had consolidated enough to let us do this hike in boots. And despite all the ski, snowshoe, and boot tracks we encountered, we only passed four people and saw perhaps six more at a distance while we were hiking. The loop from the Sno-Park over Mount Ashland and back is only 4 miles with 1,000 feet of gain, but it’s good exercise at altitude and the views are wonderful. It was a nice 3-hour break from the indoors. 🙂
BOOTS on the TRAIL 
We’ve always assumed that the dome’s design engineer was a soccer fan, since its always looked like a ball to us. 😉
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That radome is interesting. Instead of a classic geodesic pattern it almost looks like random shapes. They probably require that the site installation team has years of jigsaw puzzle experience.
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We didn’t see any evidence of a closure or of any enforcement. There’s that register at the sno-park now but there wasn’t any signage there either. I’m not sure why they would close Mount Ashland. It’s a big area so you should be able to use it without getting too close to anyone. Of course, if people start packing into the Grouse Gap Shelter that might provoke a closure. 😦
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Hello,
I had read that the USFS was trying to close the snow parks and Mt Ashland specifically. I have been up there ski touring most days this season and would like to continue to do so. Did you see any signs talking of the closures or enforcement being done? thanks for your insight.
Ryan Ghelfi
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