The trail became increasingly "front country" (wider, more travelled) as we descended. After merging with the trail to Windy Joe Mountain, we began to see other day hikers and cyclists (at this point the trail is multi-use). After a switchbacking descent on a road-like trail to the valley floor, we followed detailed signage that branched us left at a junction, heading now northwest not far above the banks of one of the park's biggest rivers, the Similkameen. Again this was a wide trail, graded and groomed with some sort of aggregate. And, for PCT through-hikers coming up from Mexico, this would be the final segment of trail in their 4,265 kilometre northward journey!
With not a lot of views and easy trail conditions, our final few hours of walking had covered a fair bit of distance quite quickly. Because of that, we emerged at the park road near our car at a very decent 55 minutes past noon. By the way, the signs and literature point to this being a 29.5 km loop - it's actually more like 26-27km. Of course, we didn't do the spur over to the summit - that would increase the overall distance.
Our early return meant we could relax on the drive back, and we stopped on the way in the town of Hope for a suprisingly excellent roadside cafe experience at a spot called Rolly's. Many thanks to Mauree and Kyle for agreeing to go on this outing with me despite the iffy weather. I'd love to do this loop again in nice weather; it looks like the upper part would be glorious.
Interactive trackmap with photo points - Frosty Mtn Loop, day 2 - click map to view
Frosty Mtn Loop Day 2 - Hike Data
Start Time:
5:38a.m.
End Time:
12:59p.m.
Duration:
7h20m
Distance:
16.74 km
(10.4 mi)
Average Speed:
2.3 km/hr
(1.4 mph)
Start Elevation:
6085ft
(1855m)
*
Max Elevation:
7589ft
(2313m)
*
Min Elevation:
3816ft
(1163m)
*
End Elevation:
3882ft
(1183m)
*
* : +/- 75 feet
Total Elevation Gain:
1725ft
(526m)
*
Total Elevation Loss:
3955ft
(1205m)
*
* : +/- 75 feet
Elevation Graph
