S Fork Trailhead:
Chilly morning, snow everywhere.
But by Poopout Hill, not a soul had a jacket on.
San G was sure looking good.
The trail was well tracked up to S. Fork Meadows, but only lightly tracked to Dry Lake. We of course headed up the "winter route" (straight up the drainage) instead of risking the exposure that the actual trail entails.
Ever wonder about this rock? It kind of sits out there in the middle of everything all by it's lonesome. There aren't a lot of rocky walls for it to fallen from. I suspect it's a glacial erratic.
Almost there.
Dry Lake. Really beautiful day. Lake Peak is seen beyond the lake.
Looking SSE from the outlet of Dry Lake.
San G looms large above Dry Lake.
People unfamiliar with the mountains of Southern California are really missing out on some grand landscapes. San Gorgonio Mountain (left) and Jepson Peak (right). Big Draw lies between the two summits.
No lack of water...
...if you have the right tools.
Heating up.
About time for some lunch.
Regrettably, it's time to head for home.
On our return, we pass through South Fork Meadows
which is a most lovely spot.
By afternoon, the trail is really well packed.
Nearing the trailhead, we cross this avalanche zone.
The clearing of the avvy zone affords a nice view of the Sugarloaf.
Horse Meadows is looking good.
Nearing the end of my hike, I look back for one last fond look at the SGW. It's been a great day.
Thanks for coming along.
HJ
beautiful photos Jim!! glad you got out. it's nice to see the SGW is holding onto its snow. i need to get back out there. i still haven't climbed Jepson in winter. did you see any climbers on San G, Big Draw or Jepson?
