8 miles (out-and-back)
1,340ft elevation gain
Beginning this hike at the Bonneville Hot Springs Resort, we were immediately tempted not to do it. The cold, blustery weather of this December afternoon was already biting. But we turned away from comfort and relaxation to conquer Table Mountain–a snow-covered Table Mountain. It all started off fine, but after some confusion and snow blotting out trail heads, we eventually found our way to a trail leading us to Carpenters Lake (all but completely dried up). From here we have several choices and we followed the incorrect path.
Through snow-covered trees, we made our way up and down small hills, around bends and deeper into the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Eventually, again, we were given the choice to continue following the path we were on, or to divert to the left or right and follow the Pacific Crest Trail. Unsure of where either path would lead us as our map was not very detailed, we decided to continue on our way.
Kyle Swan Diving into Knee-High Snow
Slowly but surely, the snow began to deepen and we all assumed we were gaining elevation as the snow gained a layer of ice on top of the soft, powdery stuff beneath. We weren’t. Not like we thought we would. You see rather than taking that left onto the PCT, we actually stuck it out on Two Chief’s Trail, which would not take us to the top of Table Mountain. Rather, after more sneak-peak and tauntingly unrevealing viewpoints, we found ourselves at the base of Sacagawea and Papoose Rocks. This offered a great group photo opportunity and we realized that choosing the trail we did was a wise decision as wispy clouds blocked any chance of a view from atop Table and certainly no view of the mountain proper from down below.
Standing Beneath Sacagawea and Papoose Rocks
Looking South Across the Gorge
Hearing water not far from our position, we decided to push on through the snow and ice (now up to our knees) and finish off this trail. We found our way and took more photos at this beautiful and dramatic spot called Greenleaf Falls.
Greenleaf Falls
Here we turned around, took one last look up at the majestic mountains and hit the trail fast attempting to make it home before dark. We vowed to come back in summer and tackle the true Table Mountain now that we know where to go and what to expect. We will be back and we will have photos!
Keep on hiking!
Path Finders 