Hiking to the Lock or Sky pond 11/20 - doable?

I'm was throwing around the idea of taking my GF hiking up to the Lock or possibly all the way to Sky pond next weekend, weather permitting of course. Anybody know how the conditions up that way are? Snow-shoes needed I assume?

For reffernce we're both in decent shape hiking wise, and I hiked to sky pond this past summer, so know the way, but I've never really done much hiking in snowy conditions. Advice please?

Last weekend was totally clear, except for a little ice and a bit of hardpack. I highly doubt even with this system that it still isn't either clear or packed down. The only reason I'd recommend snowshoes is for traction.

It's a busy trail so I'm sure it's fine. Truthfully I haven't seen a time that the trail system isn't "doable".

Yeah, hiking to sky pond is never out of the question. That trail gets really hard packed and icy. I'd say some of those stretchy slip on Yak-trax or even the Katahoola crampons will be much better than snowshoes. Enjoy.

Eldora ski area just south of the park has reported over two feet of snow since Sunday, including 16" last night, so I'd consider a pair of snowshoes if you hike into Sky Pond this week. And a watch out for avalanche conditions.

I was up there to both just two days ago . The trail is packed down and it was easy to walk up there in lightweight shoes. You might was some traction for a couple of icy sections if you come down after 3pm.