Hydroline to Elk Pass Snowshoe Trail

Dogs are not allowed on the ski trails in the area. This is one where you should leave your four legged friends at home.

The trailhead is at the south end of the parking lot marked by the fluorescent orange snowshoe trail markers. The trail follows a combination of snowshoe and cross country ski trails. It is well marked with the flourescent orange markers but if you have trouble, remember that except for short sections on the ski trails the trail follows the hydroline all the way to Elk Pass, so keep your eye on the power lines.

From the parking lot, the trail starts below the hydrolines. Within the first kilometer the trail leaves the hydroline following ski strails in two separate sections. Ultimately, 1.4 kilometers into your trek you will find yourself on the Elk Pass Trail looking over a treed gully. Below is the scene you will see.

This is the only tricky part of the hike. Across the gully below the hydrolines is the trail. To get to that point follow the Elk Pass Trail to the right down the hill. Keep an eye out for kamikaze cross country skiers. At the bottom of the hill there is a trail marker. Take a left and within 20 meters there is a trail marker at the point (waypoint #07) at which you turn into the woods. Walk 900 meters in the woods and you will find yourself at an intersection with the ski trails. Turn left onto the Hydroline Trail and climb the steep uphill. At the top of the hill (waypoint #09) turn right and follow the hydroline for 3 kilometers to Elk Pass. Along the way on the right hand side you will see Mount Fox.

I could not find a PDF aerial view of this trail online but it is on flickr. Follow the link to see the aerial view. To see more of the trails in this area, see the post for the Blueberry Hill Trail.

Follow the link to a larger version of the Google Earth image of this trail via flickr.