As we headed up the trail we know well - because it also goes to High Hut and Snow Bowl - we spotted the Lower Yurt Trail and quickly made the decision to take it since none of us knew what it would be like. It started out with a sidehill section that was a welcome challenge.
As we trekked up the trail we saw tons of animal prints including a good size cat. We kept together from that point. The list of critters includes rabbit, fox elk and deer. The trail was definitely the "path less travelled" as we had it to ourselves.
After a couple of miles we came upon a bridge that was a little challenge to get across. As I tapped at the snow to find a solid area it sank under me - luckily I just sank down to the actual wooden bridge below.
There was also a snow bridge which is not one of my favorite things.
We arrived at the Yurt after 6.3 miles and had our lunch. Our goal was to do the Lollipop course and head out the Upper Yurt trail on the way out.
One mile down from the Yurt is a very confusing corner. We saw it coming up and I looked at the map in the Yurt to try to pick the right way out. As it turns out I can't properly read a map and we headed down the wrong trail for a mile before backtracking. It was an honest mistake since the one I chose was the only one that went downhill.
The Upper Yurt trail goes uphill for what seems forever. As it turns out you ascend all the way to the turn off for Snow Bowl Cabin before you go down to the main trail and then to the snow parks below.
The final total was 13.96 miles which we will dub the Lower Yurt - Upper Yurt Half Marathon.
More soon....
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