EISPIRATEN

In my continued exploration for trails that are not chock-a-block with hikers, I went out to the Gene Marshall trail. The northern terminus is at the Reyes Campground. This trail had everything: snow (got to do 1 1/2 miles of trail breaking), ice, mud (but only on really steep sections), overgrown (in need of major gardening), running creeks, more snow, three eco systems, great views, and solitude. I did not go as far as planned (Haddock Camp) as the going was slow and daylight was not in my favor. I really great day on the trail. Some pics of my Saturday

beginning of the trail

on the ridge above Upper Reyes Camp

The beginning of the snow trail -- up to Beartrap there were boot prints and thin snow and ice

The picture does not do it justice. Large snow crystals over about 100 sq ft shimmering in the sun

breaking trail in virgin snow

the trail forward

the trail crosses this somewhere, Beartrap Creek is running underneath

Looking back at Beartrap Canyon

Great winter SoCal day, nice in the sun and cool in the shade. I would be concerned about crossing a creek in that snow.

Nice Jerry! A couple of years back, and friend and I walked the GMT from Reyes Creek to Piedra Blanca. We spent 3 days/2 nights on the trail. First night at a very chilly Beartrap, second at Pine Mountain Lodge. Great outing. Nice, remote country. The campsite at 3 Mile looked particularly inviting.

When we were there, that section of the trail from just above Beartrap to the saddle at 6,262' was navigable, but trending toward overgrown. I understand the LPFA has a work party scheduled for sometime early this year to brush that section out.