San Bernardino Peaks 2010/08/21

[mattmaxon]

Trip data at Everytrail.com



This is my final conditioning hike for my pending PCT backpack from Onion Valley to Devils Postpile NM (Reds Meadow)

I'd hiked to San Bernardino Peak last year on 7/11 so I was aware of the trail and conditions.

My friend Bernd was able to make this trip, I was interested how he was doing with his untimely injury about 4-6 weeks ago.

As it turns out he's a bit slow but looks to be good to go! Wahoo!

We got off the San Bernardino trailhead about 7:10am a bit behind schedule along with 3 other groups ... Oy Vey!

Passing Columbine Sprg/Johns Meadow Jct @ 3.85 miles, Limber Pine Bench Cpgd 5.53 miles, Limber Pine Sprg @ 5.83 miles.

Stopped at Washington's Monument for lunch 11:32 am 7.04 miles, got going @12:16pm 45min later.

Making successful near summits of San Bernardino & East San Bernardino Peaks (7.71 & 8.66 miles) arriving at Whitethorn Trail (Monyer Tr) at 9.01 miles 1:36pm

At this point I am revising my estimates in my head and figure 4pm-ish to the trailhead. As it turns out this was off too. by about 1hr 20min. as was my mileage estimate from 14-14.5 to 16.01 miles, so 45min was eaten up by the additional 1.5 - 2miles the remainder was pushing through the Mtn Whitethorn and the continual zig-zagging around all the down trees.

A full trail crew could spend the summer up here and not get it done. Chainsaws and other handheld power equipment would speed the process. An exemption would have to be granted, though given the poor condition and the huge trees the case could be made. Packer support would be essential as there does not appear to be any water along here. When I hit the lottery for 200 million I'll setup separate 1 million $$$ endowments for Angeles, San Bernardino, & Los Padres NF for volunteer trail workers !

We started hitting the Whitethorn in ernest around 10,100 ft which continued to about 8,400 feet where you get into the trees. Unfortunately there are dozens of dead and down trees large & small across the trail, requiring many detours and bypasses what a friggin mess!

We arrived at the Fall Crk Trail at 13.3 miles / 4:04pm, I'd hiked up this trail to Dobbs Cabin and measured 2.75miles to the trailhead doing the math I figured 16miles 5-5:30pm at the trailhead.

Bernds new shoes and long toenails where giving him a bit of trouble, but hey! thats why where here to do a bit of a shake down hike!

I entered the parking lot @ 16.01 miles 5:19pm, Bernd was 6min behind.

The consensus was we'd not be doing the Whitethorn trail again anytime soon, your results may vary. Though a trip from Fish Fork to Angeles Oaks looks very appealing

I was distressed to learn the General Store @ Angeles Oaks was a victim of the recession. The restaurant has cold drinks though. I was gonna have dinner here but Bernd requested an escort to the Circle K in Mentone as his gas was very low.

Well we're as ready as we can be!



Tips: In warm/hot weather top off your water at Limber Pine Spring

Bring loppers and hand saw, if every group spent 1 hour on that Whitethorn it would make a big difference very quickly! Don't be shy... CUT IT WAY BACK. little cuts at the tips encourage growth... reach in and cut it way back

Also try to cut on the uphill side of the trail, the trail tends to move downhill over time this will encourage the trail to stay high.

You cannot cut it back too far. The FS standard for a trail is all brush cleared 4 feet on the uphill side, 2 feet on the downhill side, 8-10 ft overhead, 18-24" wide tread.

[cougarmagic]

Nice pics Matt! Some beautiful mountains there.

I'm glad Bernd is in good shape for your trip.

[bike&hike]

I did the Whitehorn trail on 7/18. On the way back from Momyer. Way too over grown.
I did ran into a guy doing some trail work but one set of hands will never be enough.