Crystal Creek Basin: Francie's Cabin Approach

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

Get an early start unless you're staying at Francie's cabin (then lucky you).

Park at the Spruce Creek trailhead and skin up. Start up the Spruce Creek trailhead initially but you'll soon break off onto the Crystal Creek trail (not marked by blue diamonds). It is relatively obvious, but you still need to pay attention. The Spruce Creek trail will get you to the same place and is marked by blue diamonds, but you'll be adding a bit of mileage to your approach.

Eventually, you'll break out of tree line and find yourself approaching Francie's Cabin, continue past the cabin up the valley until you see some obvious openings up the south-facing slope on your right. Work your way safely up to gain the ridgeline of Peak 10. Take a breather and enjoy the view. Once you have established your skin track, you can lap many lines up and down this ridgeline. Enjoy.