Friday, April 21, 2023
Miles: 9.11
Start/End: Hancock Overlook
Elevation gain/loss: 2828′
Peaks: Hancock, South Hancock
After work, I headed to the Hancocks trailhead and got started in bare boots. I made it less than half a mile before I put on my Exospikes for traction on the icy monorail. The water crossings were a little high, but pretty reasonable all things considered. The trail was a bit wet in places, but there were only a few spots with ankle-deep standing water on trail. The climb up and around Hancock wasn’t bad – the snow mostly had flat steps kicked out and the packed trail was stable so long as I stayed in the center as I headed towards South Hancock. The descent off South Hancock was a bit treacherous, and I had a few uncontrolled falls but luckily was able to stop myself before I hit a tree. Then the hike out was quick and easy, letting me finish before sundown.
Transcending Mountains 