Granite Peak

I attempted Granite over memorial day weekend. We went via Phanton Creek Trail. On the way up to Mystic Lake we began to encouter snow. Between the Dam and Phanton Creek Trail we began to see more and more snow. Phanton Creek was not Phantom!! As we got higher on the trail the snow was waist deep. At times we walked on top of the snow but only for a few steps and then we would sink waist deep. At times we got stuck and there was no trail most of the time. After half way up the trail didn't hardly exist! It was very tiring with packs full of snow equipment. When you have to carry pickets, axes, and crampons you add a lot of weight plus heavy snow clothes!! Right before we reached the plateau we camped in a small rock shelter that was surronded on two sides by a small dip or valley. This was only a few hundered yards form the turn off. The snow was so deep we decided to wait till morning and re-evaluate. It snowed all night and in the morning the weather looked horrible. The visibility was next to nothing and it was snowing sidways with high winds. During the night we guess the winds were between 6-70 mph. Our tent was plastered to our faces some of the time. We left to go back down at about 7:15am. The snow was still hard and we used crampons all the way to Mystic Lake. We then returned to the trail head. During the trip the Bear scat was incredible. There was scat everywhere. There was no way to tell exactly how fresh it was as it was all wet form snow. On the way up the trail we saw lots and same with the way down. When we returned to the car we threw our stuff in and drove down the road no more than 1/4 mile and saw a Grizzley Bear. It was still snowing sideways and he was seeking shelter in the weeds about 200 yards from the car. All I can say is what an expierience!! I would love to try it this early again just when the weather reports say sunny. Bring Bear spray!! As someone saw a grizz and her cubs on the plateau. Be careful!!!!!