Baldy South Ridge 6-19-10

[Dave G]

Baldy’s South Ridge is definitely a “route less taken” and as such is an aesthetically pleasing alternative to the crowded trails to the peak. With beta from Sam Page, who climbed it this past September, and a TR I found from LD, Phil (lik2hik) and I set out from Manker to try it out and we weren’t disappointed. Gaining the ridge involves the usual loose rock, talus, etc, but once above ~7k’ the route is awesome. Mostly class 1&2 with some 3rd class sections that probably could be avoided but at the expense of fun.

When we reached the summit, we found Taco had hauled up and constructed an encampment, complete with refreshments, for Tina and Zach and others who were coming across the ridge from Iron Mtn. They expected to arrive between 1200-1400, so after downing our summit beers (thanks, Phil!) we walked over to West Baldy and down the ridge a bit to see if we could spot them. We saw no one on the ridge and I needed to be home by 1500, so we hiked back to Baldy and said goodbye to Taco, descending via Register Ridge. Another great day in the mountains with good friends!

The deer are friendlier over on the South Ridge!




Ryan's kit


Pix: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21042415@N ... 192806287/

[EManBevHills]

Looks like a very interesting route, until you ran into all the traffic!

How cool of Ryan to set up the replenishment/refreshment tent for the traversers.

8)

[lik2hik]

Dave -
that was indeed a great walk up a beautiful ridge!
Loved the weather, the different terrain and the solitude.
We'll have to do that one again.
Nice seeing, and finally meeting Taco!

[norma r]

cool beans guys! nice way to circumnavigate the crowds on the ski hut trail. plus taking and enjoying a route less traveled is always more fun... stinging nettles and all. great pix and the precious deer was magical. i definitely want to try that route.

nice refreshment stand Taco had going up there! very cool Piraten! i bet Lemonade for 10¢ would have been a big hit yesterday.

[EManBevHills]

Maybe it's time to rebuilt the Inn?
I would love to be the caretaker....

I'm sure I'd have lots of competition for the position, though.

[Taco]

Thanks for the company, guys!

Zach, Tina, Lee, Mike, & Mike made it to the summit of Baldy between 5-6pm.

MOAR PEEX:

Dave and Phil


Holy crap that's a ton of people.


My shelter after the hoards left.


Sleep


Zach in the shelter, with the ridge behind.


Descending via the Bowl

[Sam Page]

Glad you got it done, Dave. Accessing the ridge is a pain, huh?

[Dave G]

Glad you got it done, Dave. Accessing the ridge is a pain, huh?

Indeed, Sam. That's why it will probably remain "a route less taken".
We do have an alternative approach in mind which might be an improvement--I'll let you know if it pans out.

[snmtbaldy]

Congratulations Dave G. for South ridge climb
Congratulations Zach & Tina team for Iron-Baldy traverse:
Taco wasn't just waiting around everyone. He was scouting around some challenging sopts in the ROCK GARDEN before he headed up the summit setting up the refreshment camp. I stayed over night at the summit Friday night.
It was nice to see him again. He moved like a spiderman on the big rock.



See you soon on the trail.

[Taco]

A big blue lanky dork on a rock.

Cheers Shin!

[Johnny Bronson]

lol Keeping true to the taco del rio honored name...Great service,cold drinks and such a sweet smile =D haha

Awesome pics/info all around,looked to be a great adventure by everyone!

[Taco]

That's copyright infringement on my name right there.

[mve]

Thanks for sharing this TR Dave -- that's a tough summer route to Baldy -- congratulations on completing it and having good times doing it!