Upper Winter Creek, Mt. Zion, Sturtevant Falls loop

[JoeTruth]

I'm doing the winter creek/Zion loop on Wednesday. Start time is flexible but it's gotta be between 9am-2:30pm start time. I'm going one way or another. If anyone has the day off and doesn't mind a slower pace climb (as well as a 1.25 mile hike-a-bike), drop me a PM and let's roll.

[JoeTruth]

Peachy! I'm off to do my ride now. If you notice I haven't posted after 2-3 days, please do me a favor and call search and rescue. Thanks!

[JoeTruth]

I went solo and returned in one piece, for the most part. I seemed to be much more challenged by Poison Oak trying to get me then any exposure, HAB, switch backs and rocks. It's gonna be an ugly season for people who are sensitive to PO. Be aware and be prepared!
On a positive note, I rode a lot more of the Mt. Zion HAB then originally anticipated. I'd guesstimate I rode about 60-70% of it. The last time I rode it, I rode about 30% of it. Still sucks balls. I think this loop in reverse would be much funner and a hell of a lot less HAB involved. I tried counting and I think there are 14 or 15 switch backs on the HAB to Zion. Didn't see a soul past Upper Winter (3-4 hikers there) and while descending the Gab into Santa Anita Canyon, I ran into the one and only individual all day. It was a young ranger by the name of John and he was on his way back from Sturtevant Camp. He said he went up there to scope something out and managed to take a 2 hour nap because it was so peaceful and quiet. What a lucky dog. Too bad the pay isn't all that; otherwise, I'd apply. While conversing, he mentioned that a rider coming down into Hogee Camp via Upper Winter Creek on Sunday, took a real nice tumble down (right before the switch backs on UWC) and rolled about 200 feet right down into Hogee Campground. He survived but needed to be air lifted out of there. Apparently, the helicopter hovers right above the trail juntion of Zion and they drop a line down with a basket and lift up the injured party. Comon practice, apparently. He had no idea on his current condition or status.
As he was telling me that, I looked to my left (exposed side) and just beyond the trail side brush, there was a steep arss 200-foot drop right down into the canyon. Out of fear, I casually scooted to the far right side. It's amazing how much you don't notice while you're riding. Maybe that's best.

Be safe out there, folks!

[Sewellymon]

Yikes re; 200' drop. UWC and descending Zion to Sturtevant have them, that's for sure!

I actually prefer the way you rode the loop (clock-wise) 'cause the descent off Zion, through Spruce Grove and beyond is so sweet. But it's all good; my fav trails in the whole world.

[Schecky]

Thanks Joe. Gonna being hiking with the scouts there next week - Is the PO so bad that they'll need long pants?

[JoeTruth]

I personally would recommend long pants. You know kids, they'll be bouncing all over the trail. It's not gonna be too difficult to initiate some contact. Since they're boys scouts, they know the drill but still wouldn't hurt being a little cautious.

Are you all heading up to camp or staying in the cabins?

[Schecky]

No camp this time, just a day hike.