7.8 miles, +3,800 ft, -860 ft (From Silvertip TH)
Hike 0.72 miles from the Silvertip Trailhead to the Dean Ridge trail. Take the Dean Ridge trail up to near the ridgetop. The trail enters the 2015 Trail Creek burn just before the crest of the ridge. The burn made for rough going in 2016 – it appeared that we were the first to pass through. There was lots of deadfall and the trail was extremely difficult to find and follow in several locations. Follow the trail to the saddle near Gunsight Peak and ascend off trail to the summit. There is little camping along the route, although it should be possible to camp near Gunsight Lake. Gunsight Lake is also in the burn but there are some spots that are less burnt than others. Watch out for “standing dead” – especially if it is windy. Gunsight Lake is below the aptly named “Gunsight Rock”.
