Beef Basin/Elephant Hill in the winter?

[sixstringsteve]

I'm trying to decide where to go in November. I swore I'd get back to the needles district this year, but I haven't been able to fit it in. I'd really like to show my wife elephant hill and the Joint trail. Anyone been in November or winter? Does Beef Basin get nasty? I'm thinking up elephant hill, camping at one of the few limited campgrounds, and exiting via beef basin. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Kevin B.]

I'm going to be driving Elephant Hill/Beef Basin in late October, I'll let you know.

 

[DAA]

I'm going in to Beef Basin the first week of November, but probably via Cottonwood. That route is actually more likely to be trouble due to snow or mud than E-Hill - I got stopped by snow drifts trying to go in that way by myself a couple years ago. Beef Basin from E-Hill can get nasty when conditions are wet enough. But I think you'll be fine!
-DAA

 

[sixstringsteve]

I'm going in to Beef Basin the first week of November, but probably via Cottonwood.

Hm... I'll have to research this route a bit more. Thanks for the info. Does the gate to Beef Basin from E-hill ever get locked and closed for the winter?

I know beef basin has quicksand, sand, and a steep hill or two. Is quicksand still an issue in the winter?

 

[DAA]

The gate doesn't get locked that I know of, but maybe it does and I'm just not aware.

Quicksand would definitely be less an issue in below freezing temps, but anything above freezing I think basically the dryer the better. My main concern, assuming no snow drifts to contend with, would be plain old good fashioned gumbo style mud. Which, really shouldn't be much of an issue unless conditions are unusually wet.

- DAA

 

[Cody]

I've been back in there over Thanksgiving. Kind of muddy in spots, but not too bad.

 

[MOODY]

Let me know when you're going. I'd love to get back down there. (Assuming you'd want guests)

 

[JL Rockies]

I'm going down there around that time.

 

[sixstringsteve]

I'm thinking the beginning of December. I never go alone and I love company.