Bunny Flat to the Summit in One Day
by Chris

Five of us from Reno, NV hiked from Bunny Flat to the summit in one day.

We left Bunny Flat @ 7 am, with shirts and shorts, and reached Horse Camp about 8 am. The trail is a gentle slope at the bottom and is a great warm-up for the ensuing climb. After taking a look-see around the cabin and some group snapshots, we set off for Helen Lake. The rock trail (causeway) after Horse Camp is a nice transition to the rock/dirt trail further up. The dirt trail switchbacks before the snow prepared us for the rest of the climb (hike…rest, hike…rest). About halfway up the switchbacks, we caught up to hikers who’d departed @ 6:30 am. They were outfitted to the teeth: plastic boots, ice axe, helmet, crampons, bag, pad and a full pack. While they stopped to take a rest, we passed by and continued our ascent. Stopping at the top of the rocky knoll offered a much needed stop for food, water and sunscreen (and an excellent opportunity for photos).

The snow began about 500-1000 feet below Helen Lake and continued all the way to Red Banks. We attempted the rocks near 50/50, but soon found that the snow was easier to climb. Between 50/50 and the lake, we overtook a lady taking a leisurely hike up the mountain. She had departed Horse Camp @ 4 am, planned to camp at Helen Lake and attempt the summit on Sunday. We wished her good luck and continued the climb.

We reached Helen Lake @ 10 am and took a breather to eat, drink and prepare for the snow climb. The peak, which had been cloudy all morning, began to clear as we rested. A gentleman at the lake said that the ranger was checking permits, but we never saw anyone. Departing the lake @ 10:30 am, we began the ascent toward Red Banks.

The hike to Red Banks was the most difficult portion of the climb. Be prepared to take a lot of mini breaks while climbing this section (and have food and water readily available), as there are no flat spots between Helen Lake and Red Banks. We did not have crampons and were able to follow the footsteps of previous climbers (be careful because the footing can be slippery). Quite a few people were glissading as we were climbing and it seemed as though everyone had reached the summit. We reached the rocks @ 11 am and took our final food/water break before Red Banks (have a jacket or windproof clothing handy as the winds can be chilly). The view became more spectacular as the elevation increased. We looked back toward Bunny Flat and could hardly imagine we’d traveled such a distance. The hike from the rocks to Red Banks was deceiving…and exhausting. It seemed that we were making little progress toward Red Banks. We’d take 100 steps, then stop for ten seconds…100 steps, then stop. As long as we kept a steady rhythm, the climb became more manageable.

We reached Red Banks @ a little before noon and took a much needed rest and replenishment stop (30 min.). This was a good place to put on cold weather gear, as the wind coming off the snow was chilly. Since we didn’t know the correct route, we climbed the westernmost Red Banks rocks and it proved to be difficult (the loose rocks make climbing hard on the feet and quads). We took a slight breather at the ridgeline and tried to visually acquire the summit (not visible from that location). We talked with two climbers heading down who said that the summit was about a 2 hour climb (yeah…right!, it took us 1.5).

Misery Hill looks deceiving (it's easier than it looks) and we strove ahead without problem. We removed our packs at the top of Misery Hill to make the trek to the summit easier. We pushed on up the hill passing some other climbers from Oregon. There is another mini hill after Misery, but from then on the ascent is much easier. The trail crosses two snow fields which are a piece of cake compared to the rocks. I talked with one climber preparing water who said that we were late in attempting the summit (I guess it’s advised to summit no later than 1 pm). There were some clouds forming to the east, but they were about 200 miles away.

Two of us reached the summit @ ~2:30 pm and two more @ ~3 pm (the last hundred feet is some of the easiest and hardest – easy because the adrenalines pumping and hard due to the elevation). Our trail breaker/leader for a lot of the snow climb stopped at the base of the summit. We signed the summit log, took some pictures, rested and reflected upon the grandeur of the mountain (and the climb). Reaching the summit is a very fulfilling experience; mentally, physically and emotionally (and take a camera to capture the moment). We could see about 150-200 miles in every direction…very breathtaking views.

We left the summit @ ~3:45 pm and made our way downhill. We collected our packs, took a short breather and then proceeded down Misery Hill. Be careful on descending Misery Hill, as the loose rocks will cause people to fall (almost everyone in our group hit the ground). We then hiked across the top portion of the north side glacier to the snow route east of Red Banks (the route we should have taken climbing up). The snow was already pulling away from the mountain and may become impassable, so be careful. We stopped at Red Banks to prepare for the glissade (waterproof clothing and gloves are highly advised). There was no need for axes as our boots and backpacks were enough to slow our descent (the snow had turned to slush).

The main gully was about 2 feet deep about halfway to Helen Lake with small rocks stuck in the bottom. We began a fresh glissade about 500 feet above Helen Lake. Upon reaching Helen Lake, we trekked to the west side and continued glissading. Glissading down the mountain was the best way to end this hike. All of us enjoyed the descent and only wish we could have gone faster and farther. We were able to descend on snow until the first switchbacks above Horse Camp (the snow is much easier on the knees and quads than the rocks). We took a break to remove the wet clothing and adjust to the warmer temperatures.

We reached Horse Camp about 2 hours after leaving the summit and grabbed some water from the spring. The final trek to Bunny Flat took half an hour, but seemed to take longer. We got back to the cars, dumped the packs, removed our boots and took a short rest. After some pictures, we packed up and headed to town for some real food.

Total time: ~11 hours including breaks and the summit experience.

If someone is in good physical shape, they can make the summit in one day. Since we are from Reno, NV (4500 feet), we have an advantage over flatlanders (and we’re all in our 20’s). Each member of our group took 100+ ounces of water and a half dozen energy bars (we shared the GORP and M&M’s). We recommend at least this much food and water for a one day hike. We also recommend a long sleeve polypro shirt and equal shorts/pants for breathability. Also take some wind gear, knit cap and gloves/mittens. Two of us hiked in Red Wing boots, another in Cabela’s boots and the last two in Vasque (or comparable) boots (plastic boots are not absolutely necessary).

Most of all…have a good time.

Chris

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