I've always noticed that rock pile that is north of the 2 after you pass Three Points and wanted to go there. I manufactured enough peaks to make the drive out there worthwhile. I first started at Rosenita Saddle and took the ridge to the SE away from Hillyer. The first bump you get to is Peak 5,868 which is unremarkable as it is surrounded by peaks higher than it. The route is an old firebreak. From there I dropped down to a saddle directly east of this peak and connected with a more N/S ridge that comes up from Camp Hidden Valley. From here I went in a NE fashion along a deteriorating break to Point 6,000 which is a nice rocky lookout over the Little Rock drainage. The last section is a bit brushy so dropping off to the north side of the ridge is the easiest way through.
It was then over to the point of the day, Valcrest Rocks. I started where the PCT crosses the highway and went up to the obvious ridge that comes down. I took that up and turned left, crossing over the middle bump and then up to the rock outcropping. If you want to get to the top it will be an exposed 3rd Class clamber. From there I retraced my steps and went to the highpoint of this ridge, Peak 6,629 which has two benchmarks up there. It is titled Waterman MT E 7 and there is a new stick that has been placed up there with a ribbon for some identification purposes unknown to me. From here I went to the end of the ridge which was just a little further and then side-hilled back down to the PCT through some drainages.
I crossed over the main drainage separating me from my next peak which was Peak 6,280 just above Camp Glenwood. There were people there getting the place closed for the winter. I went up to the bump above the camp which surprisingly still had some healthy growths of poodle dog which I had to weave through to get to the summit which was pleasant. This is the best vantage point you'll get of Winston Ridge. I made my way back down and talked to two of the old timers at Camp Glenwood for a bit. They told me the building was originally a schoolhouse from Kratka Ridge that had been used by the CCC during the 30s and had been hauled down to its current location for the Boy Scout camp.
All in all a pleasant romp to hit some unofficial peaks north of the Waterman area.
Peak Bagging Day
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Girl Hiker
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No GPX but peakbagger.com has some mapping of these peaks and routes.
I need to post photos once in a while so I don't have to get the inevitable question.
Area near Hillyer definitely more brushier but manageable. Waterman area is all parklike except where the Bobcat fire burned.
I need to post photos once in a while so I don't have to get the inevitable question.
Area near Hillyer definitely more brushier but manageable. Waterman area is all parklike except where the Bobcat fire burned.
Thanks for interesting report. When I drive the 2 now, I see many rock formations that look interesting, but are not named on any map. This report is inspiration to push those up on my to do list. Bonus for using the word "clamber". And bonus for PHOTOS!