The canyon lives up to it's name, several really icy sections, particularly near the sections where springs flow across the trail. After the wilderness boundary, the snow gets a little deeper, really dry, light powdery stuff. If you're careful on the icy parts, you can get to the saddle without spikes.
If you want snow, head south to Cucamonga or Ontario. Being that they're on south-facing slopes, there is PLENTY of snow to be had. We headed to Ontario, and there was a boottrack for about a quarter of a mile, halfway to Kelly Camp, but had to make our own past that point.
The snow was surprisingy deep, up to 3' or so. Mostly powder, tough walking but no real danger. There were some spots though that were frozen solid and a fall would have been extremely inconvenient.
We got up past the ridge with the turn off to Bighorn, but then about a quarter of a mile later (~8400') the slopes became completely covered in thick ice, and lacking proper crampons (we reached the limit of our microspikes) and an axe, we had to turn back.
More winter in one hike than we had all last year. 8)
Here are some pics, the whole set can be seen here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wattifoto/ ... 310938703/
Icehouse Canyon
Icehouse Saddle
Past the saddle, it gets deep fast
On the full res version, I can make out several people like little ants climbing up the bowl. Only saw a few people in Icehouse, and none past the saddle. 8)
Great views on this trail
