My goal was to avoid as many people as possible so I decided to first climb up Sugarloaf Peak via Falling Rock Canyon. I decided to leave the snowshoes in the car and it was a good decision. My lightweight frame and big feet worked well. A little post holing crossing over into the canyon, but good snow for crampons the rest of the way up to Sugarloaf and beyond.
After tagging Sugarloaf I continued up to Ontario Peak, climbed the summit rock, had a snack and then headed across the ridge to Bighorn Peak. I ate lunch here and then dropped down to Icehouse Saddle and up to Timber Mountain. I saw the first 2 hikers of the day making camp below Bighorn Peak and I was surprised to see no one at Icehouse Saddle.....weird. I ran into 2 more guys on Timber, said hello, took a few pics and descended via the West Ridge. Once off the ridge and onto the 'trail', it was a easy hike back to the parking lot.
My plan worked. I only saw 6 people all day, not including the hundreds playing in the snow near the trailhead. I guess everyone was in the Baldy Bowl
Pictures here:
http://www.digitalalpine.com/2010-Pictu ... 7718_w8i3r
I had to entertain myself.
