It wasn't until late Sunday night that I realized reservations opened on Monday morning. At about 8:15 am, I threw in an open request-- any two consecutive nights between July 20 and Sept 12. I lucked out with decent dates in August. I would like to hike to Ahern Pass and its been a few years since I've been to the Chalet, so I'm happy with how it worked out!
And to the newbies out there: please don't give up hope. There is plenty of time for the inevitable slew of cancellations to come through. Just keep watching the availability page for new openings...especially as deposit and fee balance deadlines approach!
Got crazy lucky and scored a 3-night reservation. (Please don't hate me.) I intend to make the most of it. Should I hike to Ahern Peak? To Iceberg Notch? To Iceberg Peak? Anyone have first hand info on the difficulty of those hikes? Thanks.
Sue Z wrote:Yo, Pete - Thanks for the message and video link! I composed a reply, but they're not going through right now.
Hi Sue:
I restored the PM function.
The way up to the notch looked pretty straight forward to me watching one of the people I was with go up.
Later when I asked, he basically said: Start walking and find a decent goat trail(s) and slog on up.
Looks like all scree and a few ledges to me. Steep(ish) you wouldn't want to stumble and fall going up.
Sticks would be a big help for most of us.
Going to the notch doesn't require any climbing that I saw, just a few ledges depending on the exact way you take. JayW, Marmotman, Ralph, someone else will know for sure.
The people I tagged along with were locals who are very experienced hiking, backpacking, and horse packing in GNP.
They had some great stories regarding Granite Park Chalet dating back to the 70's.
One of the group made the new(ish) log benches and tables at Granite Park Chalet.
Here's the video for those who don't know what we're talking about.
You can get an idea of the terrain from Ahern Pass up to Iceberg Notch at about 12:30 into the video.
runs ~18 minutes.
"If you are not curious, you will learn nothing" -Goethe-
"When you're born in this world, you're given a ticket to the freak show.
And when you're born in America, you're given a front row seat." George Carlin
The path to Iceberg Notch is pretty obvious (with a map). It's a rock field (don't fall as Pete says), and that's why poles are useful. They make the up and down easier and faster.
Jay
The NSA...the only people in the government who listen.
Jay w wrote:The path to Iceberg Notch is pretty obvious (with a map). It's a rock field (don't fall as Pete says), and that's why poles are useful. They make the up and down easier and faster.
Jay
Thanks, Jay! I always hike with poles - I need all the help I can get! Aside from providing "extra legs" to help with balance, they also let me use my upper body muscles (pitiful as they are) to do some of the work, so my legs stay fresher.
teapot57 wrote:Thanks for the video, Pete. Might have to go up to the Notch this summer.
You absolutely should go.
I would dearly love to get back up to Ahern Pass and do Iceberg Notch.
It's a beautiful area with super views.
Hard to do unless you have two nights at Granite Park Chalet or the campground.
Dunno if I have the patience to sit on that reservation site waiting for two nights
pete
"If you are not curious, you will learn nothing" -Goethe-
"When you're born in this world, you're given a ticket to the freak show.
And when you're born in America, you're given a front row seat." George Carlin
Updated. Arriving September 8 for a three night stay.
Please note the additional deposit required.
Thank you, Kevin.
Yeeeehawwww!
I saw that Sept 8th had availability yesterday afternoon. I already had the 9th and 10th.
Only one person ahead of me when I applied for a reservation.
Now I can do both Grinnell Mt and Iceberg Notch, or have an extra day if the weather is bad one day.
So for those of you wanting a stay at the Granite Park Chalet, just keep checking.
I saw all sorts of rooms become available while waiting for Sept 8th.
pete
"If you are not curious, you will learn nothing" -Goethe-
"When you're born in this world, you're given a ticket to the freak show.
And when you're born in America, you're given a front row seat." George Carlin