First Time Summiting Timp..Questions...

[Glockguy]

What is the average time hike up to Emerald Lake area?

Is there much water up there?

I plan on sliding down the glacier area...should I bring my ice ax or is it not that big of a deal?

I am backpacking up and spending the night on the mountain with my dad, brother, and a few friends. The plan is to get up early and summit Saturday and hike back down. Any input is appreciated!

[shaggy125]

Timp on Saturday is a Zoo, so don't expect any amount of solitude at all. The beginning of the snowfield is pretty steep but if you are comfortable sliding snow with your shoes your fine, after the first section it's not bad, just watch out for rocks, don't fall and hit your head. Its fun to slide. Emerald Lake is small but as long as the snowfield hasn't melted (which it hasn't) there will be water in it. Probably still water flowing down the approach canyon but you never know. Which trailhead you starting at? I personally like Timpanookie better, but if you are camping at Emerald Lake, Aspen Grove makes more sense. Have fun and if you get on the ridge early you have a good chance of running into the mountain goat herd that frequents the peak. They ALMOST let you pet them they are so used to people. Have fun!

[Glockguy]

Thanks for the tips...we are going up Aspen Grove.