This is not only a blog brimmed w/ random pictures from passed trips, it's a source for documenting and sharing location information for others; w/ just a hint of gear reviews.
What a fantastic day of touring! Although the weather continued in a frequent patchy blue sky fashion, it maintained relatively good visibility. The road up to the lookout was woefully slow going as it was littered with sharp rocks keen to reek havoc on tires. Mercifully, it gave way to some snow deep enough for snowmobile usage. I was going solo on this outing and exercising extreme caution, but couldn't help notice how easy it is to ride my snowmobile without another person on.
I spent my time in less steep terrain and treed sections as the avalanche danger (video above, and pictures below) was considerable. I hope to visit Stark again before the season is out. It offers many delightful ski runs, both to the north, east, and southern aspects. Trees perfectly spread out for fast tree skiing, along with an open bowl with little cliffs for when the snow it a bit sturdier.
Stark Mountain Lookout
Helpful road signs all the way from Exit 61 from I90
Fantastic ranches along the way!
Lots of tire-shredding rocks along the way. Considered myself lucky.
Enough snow to ride, finally!
Fluff!!!
Pioneering the road.
A healthy mix of patching blue skies kept things interesting.
First sighting of the lookout.
Little snow on the steps! Unfortunately, the trap door to the lookout was locked. :*(
First failure ECTP 11 @ 10cm Q2
First failure again
Next failure ECTP 16 @ 35cm Q1
Third failure ECTP 25 @ 65cm Q1
Sticking to the treed areas.
The main bowl looked pretty inviting though, had to save it for another day.
Hi Jeff, I suppose I should have been more clear. I'm sure it would be very easy to get up in May or June, and probably even before then without use of a sled. I rode the sled 3-4 miles before the road is gated about 2 miles before the summit. I'm sure within a month a least another mile or more will be drivable, thus cutting down the overall skin. The road does maintain a decent pitch a few miles from the summit, so one can ski back down the road pretty easily.
This was very interesting, Miles. You tell an engaging story. Great pics. I can't beleive you are giving up the whereabouts of your powders stash. Dirk
Do you think this would be a good place to go in May or June when the road opens up a bit more and you can just ski to the top without a sled?
ReplyDeleteHi Jeff, I suppose I should have been more clear. I'm sure it would be very easy to get up in May or June, and probably even before then without use of a sled. I rode the sled 3-4 miles before the road is gated about 2 miles before the summit. I'm sure within a month a least another mile or more will be drivable, thus cutting down the overall skin. The road does maintain a decent pitch a few miles from the summit, so one can ski back down the road pretty easily.
ReplyDeleteThis was very interesting, Miles. You tell an engaging story. Great pics. I can't beleive you are giving up the whereabouts of your powders stash. Dirk
ReplyDeleteThat looks so clean and fresh! I never got to Montana,so thanks for the pics!
ReplyDelete