Sons #2(Adam) and #3(Liam) joined me for a fun hike of Ontario Peak via Falling Fir Ridge. We began by starting up Falling Rock Canyon, then took the "Secret Chute" that Phil and I did last year, up to the ridge. Up until now I had only done this route in snow and was wondering how good/bad it would be in dry conditions. It turned out to be an awesome outing with lots of fun class 2&3 sections and a minimal amount of bushwhacking. Though we didn't wear them, the potential for rockfall in the chute makes a helmet a good idea for those wishing to protect their noggins.
Some pix here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21042415@N ... 776176399/
Ontario Peak by way of Falling Fir Ridge 6-5-11
Sorry Burch, but blood is thicker than water, ya know?
Saw your tracks starting at the first saddle, Sam! It looked like instead of the chute, you went up the boulder field/slope east of FRC and adjacent to Fir Draw, correct?
My kids absolutely loved the wild feel and airy views from the ridge. We didn't see another soul (unless birds and squirrels count) until we got to the summit.
We went a very short distance up Fir Draw before cutting straight up to the ridge. There is a cliff band at the bottom of the ridge that needs to be skirted.