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SUNSET PEAK & THE HOLY CROSS

Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2024 7:44 pm
by Girl Hiker
I've never ever hiked to Sunset peak in snowy weather. I've only seen pictures & have been wanting to hike the mountaineers route during those conditions because it looked so beautiful.
It seems Jeff is the only lucky one who has managed to do this.

Anyways, after this last rainstorm I thought my opportunity had finally arrived and I was excited. I invited my hiking buddies from CDH & SGV hikers.

I had promised hot dark chocolate on the summit. To add, I over dressed wearing extra layers, carried micro spikes, cooking gear & extra water. I blame the weather guy. Anyways, we were all excited to see snow but that dream was soon crushed.

As we were hiking up the firebreak the sun came out. I was miserable & hot but I put on my happy face. Good thing we had some cool breezes along the way. After the short 1.5 mile climb, we sat under a tree to keep cool but a few of us still drank hot cocoa.

The summit is very different from when I hiked it maybe two or three years ago. The register I left is gone. A new sign hangs on a tree and the foundation is filled with stickers. I found a nice spot and placed the obligatory Eispiraten sticker.

Unfortunately, it wasn't the snowy summit I had dreamed of but at least we had nice views of the surrounding snow capped mountains. After groups photos, we descended the boring, meandering road but found patches of snow along the way. The road was clear and we saw a forest truck driving on it.

After returning to our cars, I took a few of my hiking buddies on a mission to find this mysterious cross in the area. I've only seen pics of it from those who know where it is. It is not on a specific trail so I shall keep it a secret. If you want to know the location then contact me.

Hopefully I can return after a winter storm because the entire area with the cross covered in snow looks like a winter wonderland from what I've seen.

Overall, a nice day in the San Gabes.
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Re: SUNSET PEAK & THE HOLY CROSS

Posted: Fri Apr 05, 2024 10:20 pm
by HikeUp
Nice TR.

Oddly, the one time I went up Sunset in 2008 the ridge route was clear of snow (except near the peak) but the peak and the road back down were covered in snow and ice. Ridge route up is fun. Here's a shot of Baldy from Sunset 2008-02-16...
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Re: SUNSET PEAK & THE HOLY CROSS

Posted: Sat Apr 06, 2024 9:38 pm
by Girl Hiker
Very nice! Thanks

Re: SUNSET PEAK & THE HOLY CROSS

Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2024 7:43 pm
by JeffH
I was there a few weeks ago and also missed the snow I thought I might catch a little bit by going up the ridge but nothing there. Instead I chopped back some of the yucca and had some tea and Snickers for breakfast.
At least you saw some white stuff on the road.