Trip Report Details

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Trip Date: 8-Jul-2012
Activity: Off-Trail Hike
Destination: Old Baldy 344408

Report:

Many of us had not done this hike before and were pleasantly surprised at its scenic qualities and variety. We took the normal trail along the creek – it was a sweaty time but the creek provided cool water for dipping hats and the like. Just above treeline there is a seasonal tarn where we stopped for a break before ascending the steep grassy slopes to the ridge.

We stopped for lunch as soon as we hit the ridge, enjoying great views in the sunshine and light breeze. We were able to pick out three of Francisco’s group on top of Old Baldy Mountain and watched them start their descent. A wind picked up (and picked up my “sit upon” which is now somewhere on the slopes of Old Baldy!) and we packed up for a trek along the L shaped ridge.

Bill had mentioned that it was possible to take an off trail route down by following the ridge line and so we did. Initially coming off the south end of the ridge down a talus slope and then keeping to the left along the cliffs through open forest (some charred from a recent controlled burn). Part way down we came upon a long, steep rocky slope to navigate down (much to the dismay of some of us who don’t like this type of terrain!). The rocks are covered in black lichen and would be very slippery when wet. However, I think a lot of this rubble could be avoided by heading to the trees on the left as soon as they appear and then going down thru the trees.

We regrouped and took a short break in the shade at the bottom and then started what we thought would be a bushwack for the rest of the way down. Surprised we were to pick up an excellent trail that had been cleared by chainsaw all the way back to the valley bottom. This trail popped us out on the regular trail at a pink ribbon that we had noticed on the way up!

Thanks to David, France, Jane, Denise, Karen, Mohsen, John, Kathy, Nancy, Bill, Aldis. Ginger, Jeanne and Gerry for a great day in the mountains! Special thanks to Bill, David and John for navigating the way back along the ridge. Brenda c/s/p

Lots of water in the seasonal tarn

Old Baldy Mtn

Group on Old Baldy Ridge

Bill photographing on the edge of Old Baldy Ridge

David on Old Baldy Ridge

Grassy L Shaped Ridge

Talus slope coming off the south end of the upper ridge

Coming down a steep section of rocks

Unofficial trail and route coming down the ridge

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