Greenleaf Trail to Lafayette Peak, and the Old Bridle Path
Rachel's Pics
| landmark | elev | dist | time |
|---|
| Cannon Mtn. Tramway | 1980 | 0 | 11:00am |
| Eagle Pass | 2980 | 1.5mi | 12:30 |
| Greenleaf Hut | 4220 | 2.7mi | 1:40 |
| lunch | | | 2:40 |
| Lafayette? | 5260 | +1.1mi | +1.2hr one-way |
| back at Hut | 4220 | | 3:30 |
| rock steps on Bridle | 3020 | 4.0mi | 4:40 |
| Lafayette lot | 1780 | 5.6mi | 6:00 |
| 
|
This trail can be smooth sailing with great views or a real challenge,
depending on how badly you want to get to the top of Lafayette. The
beginning on Greenleaf trail is a steep climb, but the rocks and lakes
are worth taking time to appreciate. If you rush down the Bridle
Path, you'll miss hidden outlooks. But taking the time around lunch
to ascend at least part way above the treeline is a highly recommended
exercise. Be sure to turn back and keep to the landmark times though.
Above timberline
Please use special care above timberline. Extreme
weather and a short growing season make the vegetation in these areas
especially fragile. Mere footsteps can destroy the toughest natural
cover, so please try to stay on the trail or walk on rocks.
Above timberline, the trail is marked sometimes by paint, but
sometimes only by piles of rocks. In the event of a storm, take
cover, and especially stay low in the event of electrical activity.
For this trail, if the weather is bad, turn back.
Even in relatively good weather, it is often very windy, rainy, and
cold above the timberline. A windbreaker or jacket is indispensible,
and a hat useful. Consider wearing (or at least carrying) wool or
synthetic clothing, as cotton dries slowly and can drain a lot of body
heat.