2024 started off a sub par snow season. We went over 25 days without a snow storm. Add to that near record temperatures and it was basically an extended fall. I did 56 hikes in 2023. That is more than one a week. So I took some time off for the holidays. Needing to get out and stretch the legs, it was time to hit the trail. Bells Canyon was well below the snow line, so I figured pack the microspikes and head up. The trail to the lake was dirt. One little section crossing the bridge had packed snow on it. But it was so dirt covered it wasn't even splippery. Up the switchbacks with a birds eye view of the valley since the south winds had moved the inversion north. One last switchback, and then it was up to the lake.
Once I arrived at the lake, I saw that the water was really low and frozen over, so that took fly fishing off the plans for the day. But I was having such a nice walk, I decided to put on the microspikes and do a loop above the lake. It was packed snow for most of the trail. There were some icy sections, but they were short lived. There were big patches of ground in the sun that had no snow. Most of the trails were packed snow. After making my way up to my spot, I continued the loop out across the creek. Compared to last year at this time I could not believe the lack of snow! One final descent to the lake and off with the spikes. It was dirt trail all the way out. This marks the first time ever I have hiked Bells Canyon in January. I have been up here every other month of the year, this noe makes it all 12 months I have now done a hike in this place. Enjoy the pics and check out the YouTube video I made from this hike. More adventures to come!
