We left the Guanella Pass Trailhead at ~5:30 a.m. There was no snow so no need for snowshoes. Initially, the mud on the lower section of the trail was frozen, so it was no problem, we didn't get muddy. Photo 1 shows a view of the ridge from Bierstadt to The Sawtooth. We descended Bierstadt via some talus, then traversed snow to the low point of the ridge. It would have been nice to have an ice axe on the snow, but not really with carrying one the whole way for this short section. Hiking poles were adequate. There was no snow on the rest of the ridge around the gendarme or the Sawtooth ledge (see photo #2). There was no snow, just lots of wind, from the Sawtooth to Evans. The trail descending to Scott Gomer Creek was partially snow-covered, and some patches we were able to cross, while others were too soft. Hiking poles were essential in the willows. The Bierstadt trail back to the trailhead was muddy, but after the willows, does it matter?
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