Because of Covid-19, we each drove individually to the trailhead and most elected to park on a gravel pull out on Highway 40's west side. It was +8c but windy when we set off punctually at 8.30am up the well trodden trail. There's no approach to this scramble: its essentially straight up and straight down with a "gendarme" 3/4 of the way up. With a few breaks for clothing adjustments and to don helmets, we reached this break in the ridge without difficulty.

Crux Downclimb on the ascent ridge of Mt. Baldy (north)

Jeannette traverses a section of the ridge to Mt. Baldy

After It was descended, we all continued upwards taking various routes over or around another block in the ridge before regrouping for the final push. Again there were various worn paths most of which had some loose gravel. Part way up we talked with a fellow rambler Kevin on his way down. For lunch on the summit at 11.00am we found a sheltered spot from the cool wind looking north. No photo here as we were too spread out.

On descent, we regrouped above the previously mentioned blocks and the group split.

Ramblers solve the world's problems during a break on the descent of Mt. Baldy

Some tried the south trail bypass (OT5 with gravel) while others stayed more on the ridge. We met up below the crux and continued back to the cars by 1.30pm. It was +18c. Good trip. Plenty of other scramblers, but there was no problem passing or with flying rocks. No snow on the ridge. 5km, 800m, 5 hrs.

Of note, Barrier Lake parking was very busy at 2.00pm with cars parked both sides of the road and in the ditches despite the presence of a few new yellow signs "no parking on roadway or in ditches".

Road Signs at Canoe Meadows on Highway 40 near Barrier Lake May 18, 2020

Participants: David, Alda, Carl, Jeannette, Brian, John, David, Brian.

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