Trail conditions at Staunton State Park

Staunton State Park trails report for Saturday April 18, 2020

The park received measurable amounts of snow this past week due to a couple of storms. As a result, some snow and ice exists on upper trails, while lower trails have dried out, for the most part. Expect the drying trend to continue into this next week with a warmer and dryer forecast. Hikers may want to bring spikes/traction for upper trails.

Cautions: Mason Creek canyon, although drying out, still has some icy areas and users are urged to use caution when coming down this section of trail.

Bear Paw and West Meadow trails still have deep snow that is not well-packed and will be very difficult for bikes to navigate.

Note: Lions Head trail is closed until August 1. Climbing closures include Lions Head, Ranch Hand, Parkview, Sawmill, Roughneck, and Black Creek

Lower trails: All are mostly dry except for icy spots in shaded areas. These will include Staunton Ranch (SR), lower Mason Creek (MC), Davis Ponds (DP), Chase Meadow (CM), Historic Cabins, Dines Meadow (DM), all climbing access and the access road.

Upper trails:

• Mason Creek canyon (MC)--some drying mixed with icy areas---use caution when coming down this section of trail
• upper Mason Creek (MC)--some dry areas but some deep snow exists on the upper stretches of this trail
• Bear Paw (BP)--some packing but deep snow still exists and this trail is will be difficult for bikes to navigate
• Old Mill (OM)--some snow and icy conditions.
• Border Line (BL)--snow and icy conditions with drying on the west side
• Scout Line (SL)--mostly dry except on the summit where snowy conditions exist
• Marmot Passage (MP)--snow packed and icy except on the west side where drying has occurred.
• Chimney Rock (CR)--snow packed and icy on the lower (east) side and drying on the upper (west) side
• Elk Falls (EF)--mostly dry
• Lions Back (LB)--some snow and ice pack with drying
• Lions Head (LH)--CLOSED
• West Meadow (WM)--drying on the summit with deep snow pack on the lower (east) side. This trail is NOT recommended for bikes
• Bugling Elk (BE)--drying on the west side with some snow pack and icy conditions on the east side

Photos: Border Line, Bear Paw, Mason Creek, and Marmot Passage

Staunton State Park trails report for Saturday November 14, 2020

The park received a few inches of snow from the storm last Monday. During the week warmer and drier conditions have prevailed and lower trails are mostly dry. Upper trails are snowy and snow packed with a thin layer of snow and some dry patches. Users can expect drying to continue into the next week with a forecast for more warm and dry conditions. This means that upper snow packed trails will begin to dry out but as thawing and re-freezing occurs there will be patches of ice. Users planning to take Chimney Rock trail to the Elk Falls trailhead should note that this section of trail may become icy as drying continues.

One note to users of West Meadow trail: as of this date a tree has blown down over the lower section of the trail closest to Elk Falls Pond. Use caution in this area until this can be cleaned up.

Staunton State Park trails report for Saturday November 28, 2020
The park received a considerable amount of snow this past week. As a result, all trails have some form of precipitation. Lower trails are a mixture of dry with patches of snow pack and ice. With snow in the forecast for the middle of the week, expect that these conditions will not improve much by next weekend. Traction is recommended for some trails, especially upper trails that still contain snow pack and ice.

Note: the tree that had blown down across the lower section of West Meadow trail has been removed.
Cautions: Mason Creek canyon is snow packed and icy in spots. All users should use caution on this section of trail especially coming down.

Chimney Rock trail is snowy and snow packed on the lower section but will become icy as drying occurs. Traction is advised.

Lower trails: lower trails are a mixture of mostly dry with stretches of snow pack and icy, especially in shaded areas. These will include Staunton Ranch, Davis Ponds, lower Mason Creek, all climbing access, all cabin district and Chase Meadow trails.

Upper trails:
Mason Creek canyon--(MC)--snowy, snow packed and icy in spots. Use caution when coming down this section of trail

• Mason Creek (MC)--snow packed with some icy areas
• Bear Paw (BP)--snow packed with some icy and dry areas on the summit
• Old Mill (OM)--some drying with snow pack
• Border Line (BL)--snow packed and icy
• Scout Line (SL)--intermittent snow patches with icy areas
• Marmot Passage (MP)--snowy and snow packed areas mixed with dry
• Chimney Rock (CR)--lower to Falls trail---snow packed and can become icy...upper trail has patches of snow with dry
• Elk Falls (EF)--snow packed with some drying
• Lions Back (LB)--loose and lightly packed snow
• Lions Head (LH)--snowy and not well broken in
• West Meadow (WM)--snowy and snow packed with some dry areas
• Bugling Elk (BE)--snowy patches mixed with drying on west side...east side is snow packed

Staunton State Park trails report for Saturday December 26, 2020
Although the park received snow this past week from storms, drying has been occurring due to the warmer weather. As a result, lower trails are mostly dry with some snow packed and icy spots. Upper trails remain mostly snow packed, but with very little ice. This week's forecast calls for more snow so these conditions will begin to change mid week. Because the snow levels are shallow, no skiing or snow shoeing is possible on any park trails. Hikers may want to use traction/spikes for some of the upper trails. There are no special cautions as of this date. For the most part trails are in good condition for this time of year.

Lower trails--These will include Staunton Ranch (SR), Davis Ponds (DP), lower Mason Creek (MC), Dines Meadow (DM), Chase Meadow (CM), the cabin district trails and all climbing access trails.
These trails are mostly dry with areas of snow pack and they are especially icy in the morning. Some areas of mud exist as melting continues.

Upper trails

• Mason Creek canyon--(MC)-- snow packed and icy in spots. This section of trail may become icier this coming week with continued drying and re-freezing. Use caution coming down this section of trail
• Mason Creek--(MC)--snow packed with some icy areas
• Bear Paw--(BP)--snowy and snow packed
• Old Mill--(OM)--snow packed and icy sections mixed with dry areas
• Border Line--(BL)--snow packed and icy in spots especially on the east side---west side has some dry areas
• Scout Line--(SL)--some dry areas mixed with snow pack and icy spots
• Marmot Passage--(MP)--snow packed and icy with some dry areas on the west side
• Chimney Rock--(CR)--snow packed....trail in good condition to Elk Falls trailhead...upper trail has dry areas
• Elk Falls--(EF)--snow packed with some icy areas and also some dry trail
• Lions Head--(LH)--snowy and snow packed
• Lions Back--(LB)--snowy and snow packed
• West Meadow--(WM)--snow packed with some dry areas on the summit (west side)
• Bugling Elk--(BE)--snow packed with some drying on the west side

Photos-Chimney Rock, lower trails, Marmot Passage, Elk Falls

Staunton State Park trails report for Saturday January 2, 2021

The park received some snow in a storm this past week and as a result all trails are covered with some form of precipitation. Lower trails are drying out but have patches of snow pack and ice along with dry stretches. Upper trails are mostly snow packed. The trails are generally in good condition for this time of year. Snow shoeing and skiing are still not practical due to a shallow snow base. There are no special cautions and hikers can get along fairly well without traction/spikes, but if the drying trend continues drying and re-freezing will occur causing more ice to form on trails.

Lower trails--Staunton Ranch (SR), Davis Ponds (DP), lower Mason Creek (MC), the cabin district, Chase Meadow (CM), Dines Meadow connector trail (DM), all campground trails and all climbing trails
These trails have thin layers of snow pack and ice mixed with dry patches. They are generally in good shape overall and do not necessarily require traction/spikes.

Upper trails

• Mason Creek canyon (MC)--mostly snow packed with minimal ice
• Upper Mason Creek (MC)--snow packed with some loose snow---ice flow in the upper meadow is crossable without problems
• Bear Paw (BP)--snow packed
• Old Mill (OM)--thin layer of snow pack---some dry patches
• Border Line (BL)--snow packed with some icy areas on east side and summit with areas of drying on the west side
• Scout Line (SL)--mostly snow packed with some drying on the summit
• Marmot Passage (MP)--mostly snow packed---some drying on the west side
• Chimney Rock (CR)--mostly snow packed
• Elk Falls (EF)--snow packed with some icy patches and some drying
• Lions Back (LB)--snow packed
• Lions Head (LH)--snow packed
• West Meadow (WM)--mostly snow packed with some drying on the summit
• Bugling Elk (BE)--snow packed

Photos: West Meadow and Scout Line

Staunton State Park trails report Monday January 11th
The park received some minor snow accumulation (1/2") in a storm on Saturday. The new snow quickly melted on most of the sun exposed areas of the lower trails by the end of the day. Lower trails continue to dry out and have patches of snowpack and ice along with some dry stretches. The continued freeze / thaw process without substantial new snow continues to expand areas where ice is developing and requiring caution. This is mainly occurring on the upper trails now although the new snow provided a thin area of traction on top for now. Upper trails continue to be mostly snow packed, but quickly becoming hard snow pack (except for Bear Paw, Lions Head and Eagles View). The trails are generally in good condition for this time of year (amazing in fact!). Snow shoeing and skiing are still not practical due to a shallow snow base.

Lower trails--these will include Staunton Ranch (SR), Davis Ponds (DP), lower Mason Creek (MC), the cabin district, Chase Meadow (CM), Dines Meadow connector trail (DM), all campground trails and all climbing trails

• These trails have mixture of snow pack and ice mixed with dry patches. Some switch backs have icy sections (within thin snow cover on top) requiring caution for mountain bikers. Generally, they are in good shape overall and do not necessarily require traction/spikes for hikers. Thin layer of new snow initially covered some ice, but this was less of an issue later in the day.

Upper trails

• Mason Creek canyon (MC)--mostly snow packed with minimal ice, but icy areas are starting to develop and expand with continued freeze thaw process.
• Upper Mason Creek (MC)--snow packed with some loose snow---ice flow in the upper meadow is crossable without problems. ATV tracks on west side from to Bear Paw to Old Mill caused some trail disruption (snow stability of trail) for fat bikes.
• Bear Paw (BP)--snow packed with some loose snow, but great conditions for January.
• Old Mill (OM)--thin layer of snow pack---some dry patches
• Border Line (BL)--snow packed with some icy areas on east side and summit with areas of drying on the west side.
• Scout Line (SL)--mostly snow packed with some drying on the summit
• Marmot Passage (MP)--mostly snow packed---some drying on the west side. Technical rock section on SW side developing ice; bikers must use caution.
• Chimney Rock (CR)--mostly snow packed, becoming hard packed.
• Elk Falls (EF)--snow packed with some icy patches and some drying
• Lions Back (LB)--snow packed
• Lions Head (LH)--snow packed
• West Meadow (WM)--mostly snow packed with some drying on the summit
• Bugling Elk (BE)--snow packed (slick hard pack underneath new snow layer)

Trail report Monday January 18th. Conditions may change with snow forecasted today!
The thawing and freezing of the upper trails (and Mason Creek) continue to produce more areas of ice requiring a high degree of caution for fat bikers and hikers (traction devices recommended). The lower trails (i.e. Staunton Ranch) are nearly dry at this point with some minor stretches of thin dirty ice. Mason Creek from the park entrance is only recommended for ascending and not for descending due to icy conditions, especially for mountain bikers. Mason Creek has now developed its "classic" sheet ice across the width of the trail in multiple locations. The upper trails are now generally glazed hard pack (especially in the morning) requiring caution and traction devices. However, Lions Head Summit trail was a mixture of dirt and some loose snow and just shallow snow pack on the upper loop (surprising for this time of year). Snow shoeing and skiing are still not practical due to a shallow snow base. Other areas of extra caution are Borderline from the Old Mill to the Staunton Rocks overlook. Large seasonal ice flows at most stream crossings on Mason Creek (both sides) continue to grow.

Do not recommend any aggressive fat bike riding on upper trails due to sporadic and widespread icy areas. Slower speeds and high degree of caution advised.

Lower trails--these will include Staunton Ranch (SR), Davis Ponds (DP), lower Mason Creek (MC), the cabin district, Chase Meadow (CM), Dines Meadow connector trail (DM), all campground trails and all climbing trails---these trails are now mostly dry with some occasional dirty ice sections. Generally, they are in good shape overall and do not necessarily require traction/spikes for hikers.

Upper trails

• Mason Creek canyon (MC)--mostly glazed hard pack with frequent ice. Some sections have ice across the entire width of the trail requiring dismount (bikes) or hiking off the trail. Some dry sections intermixed with icy transition areas. Recommend only ascents from parking area (no descents on bikes). Transition areas continue to expand ice development. Icy Caution Score 7.5/10.
• Upper Mason Creek (MC)-- Between Upper Bear Paw to Old Mill is mostly hard pack and generally good snow conditions (some glazed hard pack). Traction devices still recommended. Large ice crossing in lower meadow requiring dismount (bikes) and hike around. Some icy stretches requiring high caution. Icy Caution score 6/10
• Bear Paw (BP)-- Mostly glazed hard pack. Look out areas are dry, except for Eagles View, which is just snow packed with some minor slick areas. Rocks to summit of Eagles View are dry. Icy Caution Score 4.5/10 (due to glazed hard pack).
• Old Mill (OM)--Mixture of dry stretches, glazed hard pack and some icy sections. Icy Caution score of 3.5/10 (no bikes allowed)
• Border Line (BL)--glazed hard pack with some icy and dry areas mixed in on east side and summit with areas of drying on the west side. Icy Caution score 4.5/10.
• Scout Line (SL)--mostly snow packed with some mixture of dry stretches glazed hard pack in the shade. (no bikes allowed) Icy Caution score 3/10.
• Marmot Passage (MP)--mostly glazed hard pack on NE side with some rocks and dirt mixed in for some traction. Some drying on the west side. Technical rock section on SW side still has ice at the bottom requiring caution. Icy Caution score 4.5/10.
• Chimney Rock (CR)--mostly glazed hard pack. Some icy sections on the lower area. Icy Caution score 5.5/10. Also a new tree is down across and blocking the trail several switchbacks above the Elk Falls trail.
• Elk Falls (EF)--snow packed with some icy patches and some drying. Icy Caution score 5/10. Traction devices recommended.
• Lions Back (LB)--snow packed with some glazed hard pack. Icy Caution score of 3/10.
• Lions Head (LH)--Lower section is a mixture of dry/dirt and some shallow loose snow. Upper loop is mostly snow packed with some dry sections. (no bikes) Icy Caution score of 2/10.
• West Meadow (WM)--mostly glazed hard pack, but descent traction due to abundant pine needles on the snow. Icy Caution score of 4/10.
• Bugling Elk (BE)--glazed hard pack on the road. Some caution (and slower speeds on bikes) advised on descents. Icy Caution score of 6/10.

Staunton State Park trails report for Sunday January 24, 2021
Trails in the park are drying out due to warm and dry weather. Lower trails are mostly dry while upper trails are packed with snow and ice from thawing and re-freezing. With a storm coming in early in the week expect these conditions to change depending on how much snow the park receives. Check the weather reports for snow amounts after the Monday/Tuesday expected storm. As of this date no skiing or snow shoeing is possible in the park due to a very thin snow base. Hikers should bring spikes/traction for some upper trails.

Cautions:

• Mason Creek canyon has some stretches of ice. Users should be especially careful when coming down this section of trail.
• Some creek crossings on Mason Creek and Scout Line trails have wide ice flows that must be navigated. Use caution in these areas.
• Large ice flows exist on Border Line trail....one on the east side close to the Old Mill and one coming down the west side from the summit.

Lower trails: These will include Staunton Ranch (SR), lower Mason Creek (MC), Davis Ponds (DP), Chase Meadow (CM), the cabin district, Dines Meadow connector trail and all climbing access: these trails are mostly dry with some spotty snow pack and ice...also some muddy areas.

Upper trails:

• Mason Creek canyon (MC)--snow packed with stretches of ice
• Mason Creek (MC)--mostly snow packed
• Bear Paw (BP)--mostly snow packed....some dry areas on the summit
• Old Mill (OM)--snow packed and icy spots mixed with dry trail
• Border Line (BL)--mostly snow packed...caution---two ice flows are covering this trail...west side is mostly dry
• Scout Line (SL)--snow pack with icy spots on lower trail and upper sections....rest of trail is mostly dry....ice flow covering trail over Black Mountain creek
• Marmot Passage (MP)--mostly snow packed...drying on west side
• Chimney Rock (CR)--snow packed with icy areas especially on the lower east side...upper (west ) side has some drying
• Elk Falls (EF)--some drying mixed with some ice and snow pack
• Lions Back (LB)--snow packed
• Lions Head (LH)--snow packed
• West Meadow (WM)--snow packed with some drying on upper sections
• Bugling Elk (BE)--snow packed with some icy sections...some dry areas on west side

Photos: Mason Creek, Border Line, Marmot Passage, Staunton Ranch

Staunton State Park trails report for Saturday January 30, 2021
The park received a significant amount of snow from the midweek storm. As a result all trails are covered with some form of precipitation as of the above date. Lower trails have some drying but are also snow packed and icy from thawing and re-freezing in the warmer temperatures at the end of this week. Upper trails have deeper snow base and some upper trails have deep snow that has not been broken in well. Snow shoeing is possible on some of the upper trails. Spikes/traction is also recommended especially for upper trails. Some snow is in the forecast for the coming week so expect these conditions to intensify by next weekend.

Cautions: Users should use caution in Mason Creek canyon as some icy areas exist, especially when coming down this section of trail.

***Large ice flows exist on several trails including creek crossings on upper Mason Creek, the Black Mountain creek crossing on Scout Line and creek crossings on the east and west side of Border Line trail

Lower trails: These will include Staunton Ranch (SR), lower Mason Creek (MC), the Dines connector trail (DM), Davis Ponds (DP), Chase Meadow (CM). the cabin district trail and the climbing access trails. These trails are mostly snow packed with some icy areas mixed with mud and dry sections.

Upper trails:

• Mason Creek canyon (MC)--mostly snow packed with some icy areas---use caution when coming down this section of trail.
• Upper Mason Creek (MC)--mostly snow packed...Use caution at creek crossings as ice flows exist
  
• Bear Paw (BP)--some areas of deep snow that are not well packed.
• Old Mill (OM)--some snow pack and icy areas with some drying
• Border Line (BL)--the trail is icy with some snow pack....drying on the west side...Caution---large ice flows are covering the trail on the east and west side at creek crossings
• Scout Line (SL)--mostly snow packed with some drying on the summit...Caution---a large ice flow is covering the trail at Black Mountain creek crossing.
• Marmot Passage (MP)--mostly snow packed...watch for glassy ice at the technical areas
• Chimney Rock (CR)--mostly snow packed
• Elk Falls (EF)--mostly snow packed with some icy areas and some drying
• Lions Back (LB)--mostly snow packed....some areas of deep snow
• Lions Head (LH)--not well broken in...some deep snow
• West Meadow (WM)--snow packed with some areas of deep snow that are not well broken in
• Bugling Elk (BE)--snow packed

Trails in the park have been drying out this past week for the most part. A small storm left a dusting of snow over trails in mid week. Overall, trails are in good condition. Lower trails are mostly dry with some areas of snow pack and mud while upper trails have been melting and re-freezing causing some iciness. Next week's forecast calls for storms later and could dump more snow on the park. Check weather reports for snow totals if you are planning to come to the park later in the week. Hikers are encouraged to bring traction/spikes for upper trails but they are not needed for lower trails.

Cautions:
Mason Creek canyon is mostly snow packed but some icy conditions exist. Users especially coming down this trail are urged to use caution in this section of the trail.

Ice flows cover trails that cross creeks. These trails include upper Mason Creek, Border Line and Scout Line. Large ice flows are covering Border Line trail on the east side near the Old Mill and on the west side.

Upper trails have icy spots that are covered with a thin layer of snow making it difficult to see the ice underneath. Use caution especially if you are running or biking.

Lower trails:
These will include Staunton Ranch (SR), lower Mason Creek (MC), Dines connector trail (DM), Davis Ponds (DP), Chase Meadow (CM), the cabin district and all climbing access trails. Expect that these trails are mostly dry. Some areas of mud and snow pack still exist.

Upper trails:

• Mason Creek canyon (MC)--mostly snow packed with some icy areas
• Mason Creek (MC)--mostly snow packed---use caution at creek crossings as ice flows exist
  Bear Paw (BP)--mostly snow packed
• Old Mill (OM)--snow packed with some icy spots
• Border Line (BL)--this trail is icy and caution is urged for all users. A thin layer of snow is covering the ice making it difficult to see underneath. Also, two large ice flows exist---one on the west side and one on the east side near the Old Mill.
• Scout Line (SL)--the trail is predominantly dry with some patches of snow pack and ice. A large ice flow is covering Black Mountain creek on the lower end. Use caution here.
• Marmot Passage (MP)--mostly snow packed with some drying on the west side
• Chimney Rock (CR)--snow packed to Elk Falls trail....some drying on the summit and mostly snow packed on the upper end
• Elk Falls (EF)---snow pack mixed with some dry and icy spots
• Lions Back (LB)--snow packed
• Lions Head (LH)--not well broken in---NOTE: this trail is closing next month
• West Meadow (WM)--mostly snow packed
• Bugling Elk (BE)--mostly snow packed with some drying on the west side

Photos courtesy of Staunton State Park