SKIT Day 28: Over the Top to Ladybug Saddle

Daily Miles: 21.5, Total Miles: 377.3

What better way to start the day than a summit bid? Buffeted by cold winds all day, I climbed another 2,000 ft passing Clark Peak. With expansive views, I then joined the Swift Trail, a dirt road at this point.

I bypassed Riggs Lake and got water at a roadside waterfall. I met a road crew fixing up the road which will be opened to the public this weekend. The Swift Trail stayed close to 9,000′ for several miles before eventually turning into a paved road and slowly losing some elevation.

I got to the roadside Ladybug Saddle TH late in the afternoon and decided to camp here. Not really a camping area but I don’t expect much road traffic tonight.

This day got colder as the day went on and the wind was unrelenting. Probably going to dip into the teens tonight.

Saw many whitetail and no hikers today.