Cole and I started from Bear Lake around 8am. The car temperature was reading -7F, but once the sun came up it turned into a nice day. The packed trail was good till tree line, then we were on our own. We made the summit around noon and decided not to head for Hallett Peak. There were several groups that we passed on our way down. Next time I would just stick to the ridge directly heading around the large rock outcroppings to the north. This would be a efficient ascent with the use of ascenders on your snowshoes. We saw some mountain sheep, a bald eagle and several pikas. Once back into the Estes area there were several bull elk sightings as well. Great day in the mountains.