May 1, 2005 — Togwotee Pass: Just a mile past the Togwotee Mountain Lodge, we pulled off at the Flaggstaff Road Turnoff. The pavement to snow transition was mudless. New snow hadn’t changed everywhere so we grabbed classics and cruised the Flaggstaff road about three miles south and west, cutting back to the road for a nice sized loop, with only one skis-off section. There were no ‘biler tracks. It was quiet, and in a day or two, this could set up really well for skating everywhere.

Encouraged by our success, we went east up the road to where the Flaggstaff meadow ends and past a small “canyon” paralleling the road. Pulling off after this opens up, we mounted up with skates and did a mix of perfect baby corn (on the south facing side of the creek) and powder/plowed-er skating. The streamside canyon section was stellar, with great snow-bridges and just one difficult crossing. This canyon opens out into the east end of the Flaggstaff meadow. Skating in the meadow was nearly at prime.

Cathedral Group Pullout and Jenny Lake Area
Roadside snow is looking firm and level on either side of the road on the north end of the Jenny Lake Loop. Don’t be discouraged by the sagebrush sticking up — just lift your skis a little higher, and go early while things are still firm.

Watch the night skies and get it early.