No real snow until 500 feet above the turn at Register Ridge. Patches here and there but easy to go over.
Further up it was icy from the melting, freezing dance that goes on every night.
We reached the Hut by 7:30 AM and were invited in by Traci/Tracy who was very gracious and a great Hut Host. Spent 1/2 hour there before heading across the base of the bowl.
The trail goes slightly above the rocks (instead of through them as normal) and heads diagonally across the West Face of the bowl (approximately 200 feet above where you would find the trail in dry conditions). Crampons are a must in early hours, plus an Ice Axe for self arrest. Some folks had gone straight up the face in the center of the bowl, some slightly East of the center and some over to the East by the water shed.
Since this was my first snow/ice hike with Enfuego we decided to take the well worn West Face diagonal approach into the trees and up the West Ridge line. This worked out well and Enfuego did great. The trail stayed fairly close to the actual bowl instead of being 50-100 yards back and away from the rim as it does in dry conditions on the main trail. All of the snow for the ascent was firm to firm/icy but no slips for us this day.
As I reached the highest section of the bowl rim/ridge with larges rocks I whistled to the folks at the base of the bowl in tents, only to hear someone 50 yards away echo "Hello" and come up from the main section of the bowl 30 seconds later laughing - that was Zach whom I introduced myself to and headed for the summit.
We reached the summit at a little after 10 AM and stayed for 30 + minutes before heading down. We were able to glissade in various spots (where safe to do so) as others had done. To many people and obsticles plus a very icy area kept us from trying it in the bowl itself - rocks are still exposed so do it at your own risk.
We stopped again at the Ski Hut and shared a cup of Tea with Traci, then headed down to the Zoo called the parking area. It was wall to wall cars, kids, ghetto rats and usual ranger/police writting tickets.
All and all we had a great time, stopped in Yorba Linda for Pizza at a place that Enfuego recommended. Great day - see photo's below.
After crossing the bowl - heading up the West Ridge line in the trees with Enfuego right behind me - Ice axe in hand.
Looking up the West Ridge Line near the top of the bowl.
Looking South East with clouds covering the Upland/Ontario/Claremont area
Looking more towards the East at the top of the West Ridgeline Bowl
Looking across the face of the Bowl from the tree line.
Looking Straight down the face of the bowl from the just slightly south of the center - notice in the bottom of the bowl are four tents.
Zach (someone we met) coming up to the summit five minutes after I reached the summit - Enfuego is just a few minutes behind him taking pictures which he will post as well.
Enjoy - Lilbitmo
