August 30th, 2010. Everyone was “floating the Missoula Sewer System” while I craved something a little…sturdier. Finally, Lydia agreed to tackle the elusive Trapper Peak with me. Confidence inflated, I volunteered for a race in Bozeman, only to be hit with Saturday night blues. Ditching the trip seemed tempting, but Lydia’s unwavering spirit reignited mine. “Crappy weather? Bring it on!” she declared.
Hiking in cold rain? Sure, why not. To top it off, silence on the phone – just Lydia and I, ready to tango with a potential “epic.”
And epic it was, in the most unexpected way. Rain clung to us like a jealous lover, morphing into snow at a thousand feet. Summit fever clouded my judgment, but Lydia, ever the voice of reason, kept me grounded. We trudged on, exchanging lies about the lack of snow and fantasizing about escaping the white abyss.
Then came the frat house on the mountain. Yes, you read that right. Job Corps kids cheering our ascent like rockstars. We signed autographs and disappeared into the blizzard, feeling a bizarre mix of exhaustion and hilarious empowerment.
Next, a sobering dose of reality from a couple turning back: no visibility, slippery rocks, a summit shrouded in white. Undeterred, we pressed on, our resolve forged in shared determination.
The final obstacle: a treacherous scramble over car-sized rocks. Lydia, sensible soul, took the safer route. Me? I clung to the ridge, relishing the mini-downhill thrills (and cursing my stubborn streak).
After battling false summits that felt like cruel jokes, we finally saw it: the summit cairn, our Everest in a winter wonderland. Summit dance in the snow, geocaching with an Action Wipe (because someone might need it!), and then…down we went.
The descent was clearer, revealing the mountain’s breathtaking beauty: snow-dusted trees clinging to black scree, a scene painted in stark contrasts.
At the car, we grinned at each other. Trapper Peak had tested us, challenged us, and ultimately, accepted us. Even with the unexpected snowstorm, it was a good day. A reminder that winter comes early, and sometimes, embracing the “fail-tures” leads to the most epic victories.
Resources
Trapper Peak: This is the highest peak in the Bitterroot Range at 10,157 feet123. The climb is a steep, strenuous hike3. The trail becomes indistinguishable beyond the wilderness boundary, but is marked by cairns3. It’s necessary to pack water as there is none along the trail3.
Winter Hiking: Hiking in winter can be a unique and rewarding experience, but it also presents its own set of challenges. It’s important to dress appropriately, check the weather conditions, understand winter trail conditions, and prepare for shorter daylight hours4.
Photography in Snow: Taking photos in the snow can be tricky due to the bright, reflective nature of snow. Overexposing your photos can help avoid grey snow5. Using manual focus can also help achieve sharp images5. However, sometimes the beauty of a winter hike is best captured in the memory rather than in a photograph.
Boneshakerbike 
Your Thoughts