The road to Cow Canyon Saddle was clear so that was my parking spot to head up toward Sunset Peak. The fire road had a nice blanket of snow the entire way. I had brought my crampons but it seemed this was one of those rare times we get that snowshoes would be a good choice - I kept sinking in about two or three inches which made for a tiring walk. Anyway, since I had the traction I put them on when I intersected the ridge route and went up the steep part of the hillside. Traction helps a lot with confidence on some sections, but as I told my sister afterward confidence and stupid live next door to each other. Only two people were at the summit when I got there and they left shortly, leaving me with solitude to enjoy my hot chocolate and Snickers break. After that I walked a little ways over toward the radio towers but it was fresh untrampled snow and slow going in the morning sun. With people coming over to visit later I had to turn around and head back down, where I ran into just a few more people.
Another great day in the SG mountains.
Pictures because I know people like to sit around at work and think about being somewhere else.
I could hear snowmelt coming off all the trees around me, sounded like rain.
Northwest view toward Baden-Powell, it's been a long time since that much white stuff was on the ground.
![Image](https://eispiraten.com/images-archived/gallery.myff.org/gallery/2036362/IMG_3526.jpg)
Almost at the fire road junction.
![Image](https://eispiraten.com/images-archived/gallery.myff.org/gallery/2036364/IMG_3529.jpg)
Baldy et al from the road where the ridge route crosses.
![Image](https://eispiraten.com/images-archived/gallery.myff.org/gallery/2036365/IMG_3531.jpg)
I'm not the first person to go up this track but put on crampons anyway.
![Image](https://eispiraten.com/images-archived/gallery.myff.org/gallery/2036366/IMG_3535.jpg)
This rock section was tricky, not able to see exactly where to put the feet. I know in dry conditions go around the right side.
![Image](https://eispiraten.com/images-archived/gallery.myff.org/gallery/2036368/IMG_3536.jpg)
Saw lots of little icicles here and in the bushes that were partly shaded.
![Image](https://eispiraten.com/images-archived/gallery.myff.org/gallery/2036369/IMG_3544.jpg)
Sitting at the summit. Had my Jetboil too so I fixed up some hot chocolate.
![Image](https://eispiraten.com/images-archived/gallery.myff.org/gallery/2036370/IMG_3547.jpg)
First footprints on this section.
![Image](https://eispiraten.com/images-archived/gallery.myff.org/gallery/2036371/IMG_3555.jpg)
Baldy Road looked this crowded all the way down to Padua. Crazy.