Mt. Defiance (14 May 2023)

[ACuteSushi]

Start: Starvation Creek Trailhead

Parking: Large, paved lot. No passes (that I was aware of)

Distance: 12 miles

Gain: 4,000'+

Summit: 4,900'

Directions: We followed the Historic Highway right (West) for 1/4 mile to the Starvation Ridge Cutoff Trail. Followed this for 1/2 mile to Starvation Ridge Trail, where we went left (East, uphill). Followed this trail for a few miles until the junction with the Warren Lake Trail. Followed this down around Warren Lake and up until we reached a junction, where we went left (up the ridge). Crossed a service road multiple times until we reached the summit. Went down the backside, spiraling around to the Mt. Defiance Trail. Followed this down the ridge until the junction just after Lancaster Falls. We went left (downhill) and followed back to the trailhead. RECOMMEND: Go the other direction.

Conditions: Starvation Ridge Cutoff Trail had one missing section. The trail mostly alternated between moderately steep and challengingly steep until 3,800'. Then there was snow to the summit; we brought snowshoes. Warren Lake was almost completely frozen over. The snow was deep at the top and our routefinding skills were tested from the summit to the Mt. Defiance Trail. Once below the snow, the Mt. Defiance Trail was covered in fallen trees, creating a bit of a scramble at times. The Mt. Defiance Trail was very steep for almost the entire descent.

Worth It?: Actually, yes. This was a beautiful, challenging hike with amazing views in different directions.