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Cannon Mtn, Lonesome Lake Hut - page 2 of 3

After ascending the steepest and iciest section, the trail leveled off and we passed a side path to the east summit ledges that overlook the Cannon Cliffs. Considering the fog and slick conditions, I decided to pass up that "view" on this trip.

Next, we passed through a relatively flat area and a small sag, then started to climb the steep ledges of the summit cone. The winds had scoured most of the snow from the rocks, but patches of ice abounded, and I had to carefully pick my way up the winding path.

Finally, Muffin and I reached the junction with the Hi-Cannon Trail. From there, it was only a short ramble to the tourist paths that encircle the summit. I had been under the impression that the ski area was still open and had hoped to take shelter in the tramway building for a while and warm up. But such was not my luck.

It was extremely gusty on top and I could feel the moisture in my sweat-soaked (synthetic) shirt and fleece sapping the heat from my body. I knew I needed to change into dry layers. Luckily, a small storage shed had been left unlocked, so we sought shelter from the wind in there. It wasn't heated, but being out of the persistent blowing fog was a relief, and I was able to change my top layers and add an extra layer of fleece underneath my pants.

From there, we quickly hiked to the summit (skipping the climb up the tower), then started to head down. I was pondering whether we should retreat back down the Kinsman Ridge Trail or descend the Hi-Cannon Trail and stop at Lonesome Lake Hut, which was now open in the winter on a self-service basis. I still trusted in the forecast of improving weather, so I chose the longer route.

Partway down the summit cone, we stopped at the ledges that overlook Lonesome Lake and took some pictures. But  due to the icy conditions, we didn't venture too far out onto the ledges.

Muffin on the summit cone ledges. After passing through a flat area, the trail winds its way up the steep ledgy summit cone.

muffin on summit cone.jpg (89589 bytes)

Junction with the Hi-Cannon Trail. The Kinsman Ridge Trail meets the Hi-Cannon Trail shortly before reaching the summit paths.

hi-cannon trail junction.jpg (83925 bytes)

Lonesome Lake from the ledges on the Hi-Cannon Trail. The hut is at the far side of the lake to the right.

lonesome lake.jpg (46347 bytes)

Me on the Hi-Cannon ledges. The photo of me on the summit didn't come out, so this is the only picture I have of me on this hike.

me on ledge.jpg (41697 bytes)

Muffin on the Hi-Cannon ledges. Due to the icy conditions, we didn't venture too far out onto the ledges.

muffin on ledge.jpg (61510 bytes)

Map

  Cannon page: 

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