Any Hikers Here?

[S54MCoupe]

I want to hike to the summit of Mt. Baldy now that there is snow on it, anyone have any experience doing that?

If anyone (with experience) is interested in going, let me know. I'm willing to buy whatever gear I would need. I havent hiked Baldy before, as it doesn't seem to exciting and every single time I've ridden my road bike up there, it's a zoo. I think the snow would probably thin the crowds a little.

Any takers/opinions?

[Sewellymon]

Mt Baldy after a big dump is kinda terrain best-suited for backcountry skiers. (or will be with one or two more dumps to solidify the base)

suppose you could hump snowshoes up from baldy bowl or the 6000' bear canyon trail that starts from the village. bear canyon a safer choice in avalanche conditions. The bowl can cut loose (tho the bowl also offers premier skiing and boarding). also need to know how to self arrest w an ice axe if you get on any snow steep enough where you'll fall and not stop

the devil’s backbone is funky in winter because the portion where it cuts along the left side of the backbone is exposed (i.e.- death drops). And unconsolidated snow is no terrain to be rolling the dice. If it solidifies into neve or harder, then it’s doable with ice gear. But really no place for a novice.

My advice is … start learning about climbing, mountaineering and backcountry skiing. They are all equally as much fun as mountain biking; in some cases lights years more compelling. Opens up a whole new world. But it ain’t about the gear you can buy that gets you up the mountain. It’s about acquiring a lifetime of mountain experiences that allows you to do this stuff without getting fekked and maybe killed. And It's VERY easy to get killed if you start pushing it. and yet that is where the vital stuff is found. Trial by fire and all that jazz

oh - and- - Baldy (or Gorgonio) in winter is such a trip because here you are an hour from 70F LA, and you're standing on a summit in 70 MPH winds with a wind chill of -30F. way worthwhile

[ddmansprty]

I climbed Baldy last spring. NOT an easy first hike. There was just a dusting of snow when I climbed. About 1000 feet elavation gain a mile. I climbed from the visitors center. After I get over my cold, I plan on going on some training hikes to prepare for Whitney in June (Hopefully) I would be happy to have someone to train with. My climbing partner from last year is a new father and blew out his knee last month, so he will not be going this year. Let me know...

I agree with everything Sewelly said

[Permagrin]

I do a lot of local day hikes and did Baldy last summer. It's definitely a haul elevation-wise even though it's only 6 miles from the parking lot (3 to the hut, 3 from the hut to the peak) and conditions can change drastically in that time as well as the weather. As already stated, it's not the gear - although it does definitely make a trip more enjoyable and safter, but the experience you have in getting out and back.

My bf and I do plan on snowshoeing/ skiiing up there in the upcoming weeks and staying at the hut overnight but not sure when. If you want I can shoot you a PM when we do. If not, have fun and make sure you tell someone where you're going.

[S54MCoupe]

Originally Posted by Sewellymon

Mt Baldy after a big dump is kinda terrain best-suited for backcountry skiers. (or will be with one or two more dumps to solidify the base)

suppose you could hump snowshoes up from baldy bowl or the 6000' bear canyon trail that starts from the village. bear canyon a safer choice in avalanche conditions. The bowl can cut loose (tho the bowl also offers premier skiing and boarding). also need to know how to self arrest w an ice axe if you get on any snow steep enough where you'll fall and not stop

the devil’s backbone is funky in winter because the portion where it cuts along the left side of the backbone is exposed (i.e.- death drops). And unconsolidated snow is no terrain to be rolling the dice. If it solidifies into neve or harder, then it’s doable with ice gear. But really no place for a novice.

My advice is … start learning about climbing, mountaineering and backcountry skiing. They are all equally as much fun as mountain biking; in some cases lights years more compelling. Opens up a whole new world. But it ain’t about the gear you can buy that gets you up the mountain. It’s about acquiring a lifetime of mountain experiences that allows you to do this stuff without getting fekked and maybe killed. And It's VERY easy to get killed if you start pushing it. and yet that is where the vital stuff is found. Trial by fire and all that jazz

oh - and- - Baldy (or Gorgonio) in winter is such a trip because here you are an hour from 70F LA, and you're standing on a summit in 70 MPH winds with a wind chill of -30F. way worthwhile

Thanks for the advice. So there is really no way to do Baldy in it's current state without a lot of experience? I didn't realize there was so much snow up there.

I've got the legs for it, I know that for sure... and I spend a reasonable ammount of time hiking for the sake of cross training for road racing. I know it's not much, but I've done 12-13 mile hikes in the past, when I wasn't nearly as fit as I am now. I just have zero experience in the snow. My level of fitness is my last concern, only my lack of experience (which I think is more important)

So where do you reccomend starting for gaining experience? It seems like there is either snow on the mountain or there isn't snow. Where is the middle ground? My only friend with a lot of mountaineering experience moved to the carribean as a SCUBA instructor, haha.

Originally Posted by Permagrin

I do a lot of local day hikes and did Baldy last summer. It's definitely a haul elevation-wise even though it's only 6 miles from the parking lot (3 to the hut, 3 from the hut to the peak) and conditions can change drastically in that time as well as the weather. As already stated, it's not the gear - although it does definitely make a trip more enjoyable and safter, but the experience you have in getting out and back.

My bf and I do plan on snowshoeing/ skiiing up there in the upcoming weeks and staying at the hut overnight but not sure when. If you want I can shoot you a PM when we do. If not, have fun and make sure you tell someone where you're going.

For sure, shoot me a PM. I'd be into snowshoeing, assuming I wouldn't hold you and your BF up. I'd rather you both enjoy yourselves rather than babysit a dumbass roadie, haha.

[RustyIron]

Yup. I was just looking at it today, admiring the beauty of the mountain. I would expect that the current conditions would be perfectly doable in good mountaineering boots and clothing.

The only technical area is short. Near the top of the Devil's Backbone, the trail crosses a rather steep slide area for about 100 feet. It's straight across, but the angle of the slide you are crossing is steep. I'd guess it to be about 55 degrees.

In dry conditions, it's serious enough where you will pay attention. In the conditions that it is in now, you'd better know how to climb steep snow. There will be no trail, just a steep snow ramp. You slip, you die.

I'm not trying to discourage you, as it's awesome up there. Just know what to expect.

[stinkyrider]

Like others have said.
Dude, you don't want to do that one as an intro into backcountry skiing/shoeing. I have done this climb in the summer and in the winter several times. It's a looooooong way down if you slip on devil's backbone and the avalanche conditions can get way sketchy in the bowl, especially with the wild fluctuations in temperature we get in SoCal. Often have high winds of 70-100 mph up there in the winter too. Keep in mind I have never done it in deep snow and I'm not about to try. Not until I drop about $2K worth of equipment at REI and go with an experienced mountaineer.

Wait til summer. It's an awesome hike then. Highly recommended.

Not my picture. Devil's backbone on the winter.

[S54MCoupe]

Originally Posted by RustyIron

Yup. I was just looking at it today, admiring the beauty of the mountain. I would expect that the current conditions would be perfectly doable in good mountaineering boots and clothing.

The only technical area is short. Near the top of the Devil's Backbone, the trail crosses a rather steep slide area for about 100 feet. It's straight across, but the angle of the slide you are crossing is steep. I'd guess it to be about 55 degrees.

In dry conditions, it's serious enough where you will pay attention. In the conditions that it is in now, you'd better know how to climb steep snow. There will be no trail, just a steep snow ramp. You slip, you die.

I'm not trying to discourage you, as it's awesome up there. Just know what to expect.

I'll avoid things that take experience that I don't have if the situation could be life threatening.

Where do you reccomend starting off? Like I said, I have the fitness, just no experience.

[stinkyrider]

Originally Posted by S54MCoupe

I'll avoid things that take experience that I don't have if the situation could be life threatening.

Where do you reccomend starting off? Like I said, I have the fitness, just no experience.

San Gorgonio wilderness is probably much more forgiving depending on where you go. Also, the top of the palm springs tram in the winter time has some shoeing and B/C skiing too from what I understand. The terrain is much more mellow there. It would be much better for someone starting out.

[Jman]

I hike but not a big fan of the fourth season when it comes to backpacking. If you don't have any experience with snow style hiking you could give the tram a try on the Palm Springs side of San Jacinto. Ride the tram up and then bag the summit from there.

[stinkyrider]

Forgot to mention.

http://www.summitpost.org is a great site if you want info about hiking/mountaineering/climbing.

http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150444/mount-san-antonio-mount-baldy.html

[RustyIron]

If it's a little bit of exertion you're after, there's Tahquitz. Leave the car at Humber Park, about ten minutes out of Idyllwild. Hike around the south face, up and over, and then around the north face and back to the car.

Again, there is steepness and some danger, but I don't think it's as severe as Baldy via the D.B. I wouldn't call it technical, but there will be a lot of huffing and puffing.

Not many people do Tahquitz in the snow because there are better destinations, but it's really cool to have a whole mountain to yourself, and so close to civilization.

[stinkyrider]

Originally Posted by RustyIron

If it's a little bit of exertion you're after, there's Tahquitz. Leave the car at Humber Park, about ten minutes out of Idyllwild. Hike around the south face, up and over, and then around the north face and back to the car.

Again, there is steepness and some danger, but I don't think it's as severe as Baldy via the D.B. I wouldn't call it technical, but there will be a lot of huffing and puffing.

Not many people do Tahquitz in the snow because there are better destinations, but it's really cool to have a whole mountain to yourself, and so close to civilization.

I second that choice as well.

[S54MCoupe]

Originally Posted by stinkyrider

San Gorgonio wilderness is probably much more forgiving depending on where you go. Also, the top of the palm springs tram in the winter time has some shoeing and B/C skiing too from what I understand. The terrain is much more mellow there. It would be much better for someone starting out.

Makes sense. Gorgonio is plenty close, too.

The thought of Baldy in the summer really turns me off, it seems like there are so many people. I guess if I can find an off day, or a cold day where it isn't snowing, that might thin the crowds.

[stinkyrider]

It's one of the many realities of living in SoCal. God, I want out.

[chauvinist_youth]

Originally Posted by ddmansprty

I climbed Baldy last spring. NOT an easy first hike. There was just a dusting of snow when I climbed. About 1000 feet elavation gain a mile. I climbed from the visitors center. After I get over my cold, I plan on going on some training hikes to prepare for Whitney in June (Hopefully) I would be happy to have someone to train with. My climbing partner from last year is a new father and blew out his knee last month, so he will not be going this year. Let me know...

I agree with everything Sewelly said

Whitney is easier than most people expect it to be. The worst part is the last four miles and the 100 switchbacks. I went with the boys scouts and it ended up being easier than some of our training hikes.

After you're done hiking it, the restaraunt at base camp makes pancakes like the size of four plates. I didn't try eating it, but my friends did and it looked like a lot of fun. Plus taking a picture of it is great keepsake.

[Permagrin]

Originally Posted by stinkyrider

San Gorgonio wilderness is probably much more forgiving depending on where you go. Also, the top of the palm springs tram in the winter time has some shoeing and B/C skiing too from what I understand. The terrain is much more mellow there. It would be much better for someone starting out.

Duh, I didn't even think of San Jacinto - take the tram up ($22) and hike to the peak. Not enough snow up there now so you should be able to get up, it's 6 miles from the tram station and not as steep as baldy IMO. And if you're into winter camping they have a couple campgrounds in Round Valley. If you need snowshoes, the nordic center opens when there's considerable snow. Here's the link: www.pstramway.com

Also, I'm a slow climber on the hiking trail especially when elevation is involved and we wouldn't be taking the Devils Backbone. Instead we'd take the Baldy Bowl Trail up without the corn: http://www.telemarktips.com/BaldyBowl.html

[thebush]

Jacinto would be a better choice! Me and the lady did Mt. Baldy in heavy snow a few years back via the Devils Backbone and I can't recall ever being that scared. Did I mention that I'm deathly afraid of exposure? I took quite a few 35mm snapshots along the way that I'll have to scan in.

[MTBMaven]

Great advice already given. I have done Baldy many times in all kinds of conditions, via most of the routes, and on more than one mode of transportation. It is a great mountain for sure, as are San Gorgonio and San Jacinto. Honestly I would have to put Strawberry Peak from Josephine Saddle very close to the top though. In terms of off trail difficulty and exposure it way above all three already mentioned, however it is nowhere near the elevation.

There is a chance I will have a day in January when I could do it. If so I will give you a ring. If you have warm, waterproof boots and ski/snowboard pants I have everything else you would need. You can rent snowshoes at REI. I have extra crampons and ice ax, plus harness, rope, and other gear if needed.

If you are looking for a good hike with lots of vertical, do Mt. Wilson Trail from Sierra Madre to Mt. Wilson. Or from Chantry Flats up Upper Winter Creek to Wilson and down the Sturtevant Trail. That is lot of vert. but again you don't get the overall elevation you do going to Baldy, Jacinto, or Gorgonio. If you want a real vision quest, do Mt. Whitney as a day hike. 22 miles with 8,000 feet of vertical; although the Village/Bear Valley Trail to Baldy or Sunset Trail to Jacino, or Vivian Creek Trail to Gorgonio is a pretty darn good day hike too.

Is you goal doing Baldy period? Getting in a big mileage day hiking? Getting lots of elevation gain in a day? Getting to a high overall elevation?

Give Baldy a few weeks, if it gets warm without much rain there will be opportunities before spring.

Originally Posted by stinkyrider

Not my picture. Devil's backbone on the winter.