Barlow Pass open

[meganerd]

Just in case anyone is interested, Barlow Pass (and the entire Mountain Loop Highway) is open, and not because it has been plowed. There are still snow patches in the forsest around the pass, but those will be gone very soon not allowing a cold, wet weather system (it's only 2800ft but usually holds winter snowpack MUCH longer than this). I would have liked to head a ways up the Monte Cristo Road to see if it was bikable but it probably still has patches on it. The road to Goat Lake trailhead was completely snow free as well and, according to some people in the parking lot, the trail was very very nearly snowfree.

 

I remember when I was still in Junior High and backpacking with my dad back in the day (1999), we couldn't get in to hike Goat Lake until JULY!!!! Hmmm...April 19 vs. July, that's a little weird.