White cliffs of Middle Fork Lytle Creek: 03-13-2010

Post by **HikeUp** » Sat Mar 13, 2010 2:35 pm

Hiked up into an unnamed (as far as I know) side canyon off of Middle Fork Lytle Creek. The Middle Fork Trail crosses the mouth of this side canyon about 1 mile from the trail head. The canyon is dry at this point but after climbing up canyon a short ways there is a nice flow. Hard to get lost in this canyon at this time - just follow the water until you reach the waterfalls (a series of at least 3 falls - lowest one is about 20' maybe?).

I actually didn't know about the falls, I just suspected they were there. If they didn't materialize I was going to head further up the canyon in hopes of gaining the ridge that leads to high point 7465 (and eventually Telegraph Peak if you're ambitious). Turns out that the hanging valley above the falls went unexplored by me today. It may be possible for good rock climbers to get up and around the falls, but that doesn't include me.

Map. Head up side canyon at point "A", waterfalls at "C", hanging valley at "D", high point 7465 at "F", Telegraph's north ridge at "G".

Pics & vids.

White cliffs and waterfalls...

Post by **Taco** » Sat Mar 13, 2010 10:41 pm

Too awesome. So what was the rock like? Chalky (since it's the Chalk Peak area)? Anything out of the ordinary? I have to go there asap!

Post by **HikeUp** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 2:46 pm

TacoDelRio wrote:So what was the rock like? Chalky (since it's the Chalk Peak area)? Anything out of the ordinary?

White and chalky

. Not as crumbly as a lot of the crap in the San Gabs, but not solid either.

I might be going back up there soon...this peaklet looked like it would be fun...

Post by **Taco** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 5:43 pm

By any chance did you see the east or northeast or whatever the big face of that peak near Chalk Peak?

GigaMike · Post by **GigaMike** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 6:43 pm

I need to check out that area sometime before summer arrives. Great pics!

Post by **HikeUp** » Sun Mar 14, 2010 10:43 pm

Thanks Mike. This is only the second time I've been in the Lytle Creek area and I'm really impressed. The rough road to the trail head is both a blessing and a curse. Keeps the crowds down but takes a while to cover the distance.

Taco - I think you're referring to the north face of point 7465. I didn't see it, but it's one of the reasons I want to get up there. The waterfalls kept me from getting up this time, but I have a plan B which I want to explore soon.

Post by **Taco** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 1:00 am

HikeUp wrote:Thanks Mike. This is only the second time I've been in the Lytle Creek area and I'm really impressed. The rough road to the trail head is both a blessing and a curse. Keeps the crowds down but takes a while to cover the distance.

Taco - I think you're referring to the north face of point 7465. I didn't see it, but it's one of the reasons I want to get up there. The waterfalls kept me from getting up this time, but I have a plan B which I want to explore soon.

I wish to go with!

AW~ · Post by **AW~** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 12:01 pm

Nice explore! unique looking area. Due to other stuff, cant get out for awhile on the weekends, but look forward to seeing this one explored further!

Post by **HikeUp** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 8:40 pm

TacoDelRio wrote:I wish to go with!

You betcha. Right now I'm thinking this weekend - dunno which day though. PM to work the details out. Can't convince you to play hooky AW?

He219 · Post by **He219** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 9:13 pm

Nice pix, HikeUp!
Beautiful terrain.

Post by **Taco** » Mon Mar 15, 2010 10:44 pm

HikeUp wrote:
TacoDelRio wrote:I wish to go with!
You betcha. Right now I'm thinking this weekend - dunno which day though. PM to work the details out. Can't convince you to play hooky AW?

I'm free on Sunday. I shouldn't have said I want to go just yet, as I don't think I can make it.

Post by **HikeUp** » Tue Mar 16, 2010 8:24 am

No worries...if it happens it happens. Besides, don't you have some ice to climb somewhere?

Post by **HikeUp** » Sat Mar 27, 2010 2:09 pm

Finally got around to trying plan B. It failed (as I figured it would). So I settled for a hike up to High Point 5610 which offered some very nice views of the area. It was quite a scramble up some very loose slopes to get to the ridge that leads up to the high point. The ridge itself was a basic class 2 scramble over some rocky outcrops and around brush, but it was fun although short.

Anyway, here are some pics.

Middle Fork Lytle Creek...

The white cliffs with the series of waterfalls in the middle...

Post by **Taco** » Sun Mar 28, 2010 1:20 am

Sweet. 8)

AW~ · Post by **AW~** » Mon Mar 29, 2010 11:46 am

Eeks..thats that then.

Post by **HikeUp** » Mon Mar 29, 2010 1:15 pm

AW wrote:Eeks..thats that then.

There's a plan C but frankly I'm tired of the drive. Plan C has a high probability of failure too.