EnFuego and I took the new 5.18D+ A6 WI42 R/X route up Baldy today.
That is all.
20090418 Baldy DBB
Not sure about that route, but DBB was free of any real snow that required crampons. We didn't go to the summit, just went to the hut straight down from the saddle between Harwood and Baldy. I wore a T-shirt and running shorts. Put my hardshell on once for wind.
I know that doesn't cover any of the terrain you'll be going on, but I hope it helps. I'd take instep crampons if ya have 'em.
I know that doesn't cover any of the terrain you'll be going on, but I hope it helps. I'd take instep crampons if ya have 'em.
If anyone gone up Baldy via the Ski Hut, please post a conditions report for the trail between the Ski Hut and the summit. I'm going up that route with a group next Saturday and some of them don't have snow experience; so I'm trying to figure out how high we'll be able to go before turning back.
Taco: Was the Devils Backbone just a few easy patches of snow?
Taco: Was the Devils Backbone just a few easy patches of snow?
Kathy, I was went up the ski hut today and came down DBB. The ski hut trail is snow free until the shady slope where the trail switchbacks up to the ridge. I started real early, so it was a bit slick when I went up. (used crampons) There is good boot track through that area. Once you get to the ridge its patchy snow but easily doable for a novice. The backbone could be done easily. (that small area Taco mentioned will likely be gone by next Saturday) You can avoid 95% of the few patches that are left. I think your group could make the summit if you get to that slope mid to late morning.
Ze' the last few miles of Bear Canyon looked like there was still some decent snow fields to transverse. The snow near West Baldy was hard, but it was early and still cool.
Pictures are here: http://picasaweb.google.com/markspicccs ... MtHarwood#
Ze' the last few miles of Bear Canyon looked like there was still some decent snow fields to transverse. The snow near West Baldy was hard, but it was early and still cool.
Pictures are here: http://picasaweb.google.com/markspicccs ... MtHarwood#
I'd prolly rate it 5.17C+ A6 WI42 R/X
Well, if you were up on Baldy on Saturday you know there's plenty of snow on the north facing slopes of the Cucamonga Wilderness;
Nunc est bibendum
Thank you so much!!!! I think we'll go up via the Devil's Backbone on Saturday.hvydrt wrote:Kathy, I was went up the ski hut today and came down DBB. The ski hut trail is snow free until the shady slope where the trail switchbacks up to the ridge. I started real early, so it was a bit slick when I went up. (used crampons) There is good boot track through that area. Once you get to the ridge its patchy snow but easily doable for a novice. The backbone could be done easily. (that small area Taco mentioned will likely be gone by next Saturday) You can avoid 95% of the few patches that are left. I think your group could make the summit if you get to that slope mid to late morning.
Ze' the last few miles of Bear Canyon looked like there was still some decent snow fields to transverse. The snow near West Baldy was hard, but it was early and still cool.
Pictures are here: http://picasaweb.google.com/markspicccs ... MtHarwood#
Temps this weekend are supposed to drop back down to the mid 60's coastal areas. Should be very nice up top. I think you would very much enjoy the DBB this weekend. Maybe I'll see you up there.KathyW wrote: Thank you so much!!!! I think we'll go up via the Devil's Backbone on Saturday.
