CONDITION UPDATE:
I'm not going to lie, the conditions aren't the greatest, In fact they are quite lousy.
At the proposed camping location there's maybe two feet of snow at most on the ground, with patches of gravel exposed in places. Definitely not igloo building conditions.
At the top of the 53rd (3500') there was a decent amount of snow, and a large area we could use to camp. It would be more exposed to the elements, but there would be more snow under us.
The snow is extremely wet and heavy (think shaved ice). It seemed to pack okay. As always low tire pressure and slow speed was the key. We were able to break trail over the 53 in a decent amount of time. This could be the route we take, and since tracks have been laid it should make it a bit easier for a big group. The challenge will be navigating the snow drifts, and keeping everyone on the road. I found myself creeping toward the edge multiple times.
If we choose to stick to the plan and go ahead with this here's what we can do. W can meet in the morning, evaluate the groups experience/capability and decide on a route. We should be able to make it to a suitable camp location fairly easy. From camp, there's plenty more roads to explore and play around on during the day/night.
I'm willing to give this a shot if others are. The snow is about as bad as it can get, but I still think it would be fun to head up and camp.
If you don't think this is the run for you, stay tuned for another once we do get some snow (~March). Don't feel like this is the only run of the year.
Let me know what you guys think, and check out my report from today in the trip report section.