Trip Report Crocker Point via Badger Pass

Route: Glacier Point TH#14 to Dewey Point, 3.2 miles out with a 472'/342' elevation gain/loss, returning to Glacier Point TH#18, 3.4 miles back, 315/445' elevation gain/loss. Entrance/exit is at the Badger Pass parking lot.
Date: Winter/snow
Duration: 3 days
Author: Jason

Crocker Point is a winter favorite for me. I'm not hugely experience, and I'm still in snowshoes. But, I really like being able to get to to some remarkable views, grab some space, and test some gear. On this trip, I was able to test some features of our sleeping bags and quilts, collect performance data and have an excuse to sit around and drink coffee.

On this trip, the trail out to Dewey Point was well worn, even with a snow storm the week prior, the path was solid and snowshoes were not need most of the time, even with a heavily-laden backpack. With water, winter gear, and gear for testing, my gross weight came in a whopping 36 lbs. No bigs, though, the day was warm and sunny and I was able to travel in a T-shirt.

Once I made it out to the Dewey area, I started searching for a bivy spot. I didn't want to be on the Dewey side of Crocker Point, as Dewey can attract many day hikers. I opted to find a spot I had camped at previously and set about making camp while I was still warm from the hike.

I dug in deeper than I had previously, first digging out the top 2' of snow, then compacting a platform with snowshoes and then just my boots. I left my tent area to find a kitchen spot.

Compacted snow nearby allowed me to use my snow saw to cut out the kitchen area and build a windbreak at the same time. I set in shelves, chairs and walls, easily cutting out blocks in the snow. I went farther out to set up a latrine that I didn't need snowshoes to get to, as I was going to be here for a few days. I had dinner, set up the dataloggers, and hit the sack.

Click on any photo to expand

Setting up a good snow kitchen is easy. Mostly, one just need places to sit, to melt snow for water, and to cook and to relax. I prefer to make cowboy coffee over all other methods when I am not willing to drag out my 15 oz. modified GSI espresso maker.

My tent booties and gaiter modification make for a very comfortable morning. A datalogger collects a temperature reading every five minutes while attached to an ice axe.

A simple stove setup helps to keep a steady supply of water available. Warming up my gear on snowshoes helps to dry them out and keep them out of the snow.

The next day, I recorded the testing information for our Ardeth sleeping gear, shot photos, cruised down to old inspiration point and to Dewey. It was pretty warm and some day hikers were about. The return trip was just as pleasant as the hike out. I carried my snowshoes nearly the entire way an met a few people enjoying the warm winter day. It was so nice to be back.