Took a day off work and went up to Oak Grove for a little hike. A gate a half mile down from the campground was locked, so I parked there and walked up to the trailhead. Started up the trail and after finding the correct branch, started up the hillside. I quickly discovered this to be the steepest trail I've ever been on and slowed to a pace of about 45 mins per mile.
About half way up there's a small level spot where you could camp, but other than that, it was steep the whole way to the ridge. Encountered regular snow about 2/3rds the way up, but only about an inch or two deep. Never had any problems following the trail. Finally made it to the ridge and looked over the other side to a winter wonderland. The wind happened to be blowing pretty good at the moment and it was brisk and there were some small drifts that made it look more ominous than it was.
Rested for a bit there, then decided to go down into the snow and try it out. I was originally hoping to make to Signal or Burger peak, but I didn't plan on there being so much snow. I was able to follow the trail with ease due to the blazes on the trees and soon made it down to the junction with the Summit Trail. I turned west and was soon at Deer Flat, which was covered in about 4 to 6 inches. I was starting to get nervous about cold feet; I was only wearing was my trail running shoes, and I didn't want to get frostbite or anything.
I pushed on up and over the hill and down into Further Water. There was a small stream flowing through the snow, which I crossed, then up to the old campsite where I had camped twice before in June 2003. I can't believe it's been over 10 years since I've been up there. I thought about trying to find my way up to the top of Signal, or over to Burger, but I was wasted. I knew I had two uphill climbs on the way back, and I didn't want any more so I turned around. It ended up being about 1.25 miles on top in the snow, each way, which was pretty gutsy for me considering how easy I might have gotten lost (although I never once felt lost) or hurt or something.
Just followed my footprints back the way I came and then back to the ridge. At 1.25 miles down from the ridge I passed a couple going up, hoping to get to Signal Peak. They were rangers from Bryce and we chatted for a few minutes. I'd be interested to know if they made it. Finally made it back to the bottom, walked through the campground and found the site we camped at back in 2005, then back on the road I ran into another guy. Also passed a family back near the car. Really surprised to see so many others up there this time of year.
So after thinking over this one in my mind the past couple of days, it's one of those experiences that now seems like a dream. As usual, when I go on these solo adventures, I'm always so worried about something going wrong that I'm not able to enjoy the moment. I guess it adds to the emotions and feelings, and that, somehow, enhances the memory. The solitude I experienced on the top of that mountain in the snow is something I won't forget for a long time.
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