Stockton Flat Icehouse Saddle, July 4th
I've been ruminating over this hike since Mike P posted his report on May 16th. Getting tired of bouncing around on my street tires, I parked around 0700 at the 3N06A/B Split. All told, there were about 10 vehicles further ahead; some dirt-biking, some camping, and a couple of good-sized parties. It was a bit hazy in the morning, clearing up as the day progressed. Temperatures across the Notch and the 'Ts' were perfect, maybe a little on the warm side, but offset by great breezes over the saddles. All trails were in great shape. Traffic across Three T's was light, I think I passed seven hikers over the entire out and back, excepting the folks hanging out at the Baldy Notch and Icehouse Saddle. I hate to be greedy, but does this hike qualify me for two holes punched out on my NHPS card, having successfully avoided summiting Telegraph and Timber? I accidentally stumbled across the top of Thunder while approaching the Trailhead. I don't think I was close enough to Baldy, Harwood, Cucamonga or Bighorn to qualify for NHPS. FYI: there was a bona fide ranger doing enforcement activities on the flat as I returned to my car.
The car and an indication of the adjacent "road" condition
Stockton Flat from the road, looking west-ish
The road to Baldy Notch, complete with requisite tagging
Baldy Bowl and some of next season's snow in the reservoir
A view of Devil's Backbone, from Thunder Mtn.
Those black diamonds don't seem so scary now
Glendora Ridge and points south from 8200' saddle
Middle Fork, Lytle Creek, San G, San J, etc.
The way back up Telegraph from down Timber
Proximity of Cedar Glen (Chapman Trail) and Bear Flat seen from saddle 7750'
Baldy Village from Telegraph. Buckhorn Lodge roof almost discernible.
North Fork, Lytle Creek Looking towards Coldwater Campground (1996 USGS Topo) site.
Peak 8540', I think, N.E. of Telegraph Peak.
My wife and I hiked down to Tar Creek in Los Padres N.F. Yesterday. Here's Topatopa from the creek.
Saturday's stats
The car and an indication of the adjacent "road" condition
Stockton Flat from the road, looking west-ish
The road to Baldy Notch, complete with requisite tagging
Baldy Bowl and some of next season's snow in the reservoir
A view of Devil's Backbone, from Thunder Mtn.
Those black diamonds don't seem so scary now
Glendora Ridge and points south from 8200' saddle
Middle Fork, Lytle Creek, San G, San J, etc.
The way back up Telegraph from down Timber
Proximity of Cedar Glen (Chapman Trail) and Bear Flat seen from saddle 7750'
Baldy Village from Telegraph. Buckhorn Lodge roof almost discernible.
North Fork, Lytle Creek Looking towards Coldwater Campground (1996 USGS Topo) site.
Peak 8540', I think, N.E. of Telegraph Peak.
My wife and I hiked down to Tar Creek in Los Padres N.F. Yesterday. Here's Topatopa from the creek.
Saturday's stats
That last shot of Telegraph is actually Telegraph's main summit at 8985. The south summit of Tele is the broad one you see from Ontario and Icehouse. 8821 or so, I believe. Great views on both.
Sespe Wilderness is great. Did a lot of stuff there a while ago.
Sespe Wilderness is great. Did a lot of stuff there a while ago.
Nice TR and nice pictures. A fellow SGMDF'r and I were in Sespe Creek area a couple weeks ago. Pretty nice up there. I also jsut did the Three T's on Saturday night under a full moon. That was a really nice hike.
How many miles total did you do on this last hike? And what does NHPS stand for?
How many miles total did you do on this last hike? And what does NHPS stand for?
- cougarmagic
- Posts: 1409
- Joined: Wed May 07, 2008 5:21 pm
Hey, you didn't summit them - that's all you need to (not) do!Elwood wrote: I don't think I was close enough to Baldy, Harwood, Cucamonga or Bighorn to qualify for NHPS.
Beautiful photos. Great TR. Thanks!