Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Mt. Baldy hike beginning of April??

I will be in O.C. from the evening of April 3rd to the evening of April 10th. I would like to hike Baldy if anyone is interested and has time during this particular week. I have several engagements during my time in O.C. but would definitely try to work around people's schedules.

Thanks in advance!
MC

I'm usually up for a Baldy hike and it should not be hard to get a few more takers. That week is looking "interesting" for me. Putting a bid in early, Friday the 4th might be my best weekday in that period. Alternatively, one could join the hordes and go up on Saturday, April 5. An early start would be a good idea.

Are you familiar with Baldy? Most of the group hikes of which I am aware do the Ski Hut trail or some variation.

Thank you Alan! I would certainly prefer Fri. the 4th but since I arrive late Thurs. night, Sat. the 5th might work out better. I will mark my calender as a tentative for Sat. As much as I prefer avoiding the "hordes", a Sat. might also allow for a few more takers.

I hiked so many peaks in So. Cal. years ago but don't think I ever did Baldy. The Ski Hut trail would be great.

A couple questions:
1. It's a little early but what might we expect the conditions to be?
2. What would I need in the way of technical equipment? Should I bring plastic boots or would my Gortex leathers work (so much more comfortable)!

MC

Saturday will be fine, but the earlier the better on the start. Kurt Wedberg has had a bunch of Baldy hikes and he always starts at 6 AM, even on weekdays. But one could get away with 7. Kurt will be too busy on Everest to drop in and enforce the early start on this one.

I did Baldy on Friday and came down the Ski Hut trail. Here is my TR. You can get some idea of conditions from the pictures. There are plenty of other recent TRs on that site. There is snow but conditions are likely to be pretty benign -- we can keep an eye out for storms in the coming two weeks. I'd leave the plastic boots home. Crampons may or may not be necessary. We could probably arrange loaners if they are needed.

Anyone else interested?

I would be, but unfortunately I can't do that Saturday. If you end up changing it to Friday or Sunday, just let me know where/when to meet you.

Let's make it 7 AM since we can get away with it!!

I have penciled in Sat. the 5th. I know Kurt meets at Manker Flats but I noticed you parked at the Ice House Canyon lot and took the Bear Flat trail up. I am open to whatever you suggest. If anyone else is interested and would be coming from O.C., I'd love to carpool. Wish you could join us Kevin. If your plans change, please meet us.

MC

I suggest meeting at Manker Flats and taking the Ski Hut Trail. It's likely to lure more participants.

Directions from the west:
* Take the 210 freeway east to Baseline Road exit in the City of Claremont. Turn left (west) at the bottom of the off-ramp onto Baseline Road.
* Almost immediately, take the first right (north) onto Padua Ave.
* Go 1.8 miles north on Padua to the intersection with Mount Baldy Rd. Turn right (northeast).
* Take this road northeast and then north about seven miles to Mt. Baldy Village.
* Pass through Mt. Baldy Village, pass the IceHouse Canyon parking lot, and drive up several switchbacks. In about four miles, intersect San Antonio Falls Road on the left (gated). Park here.
* If you get to the parking area for the ski lifts, you have gone too far.
* Park at 34 deg 15.97 min N, 117 deg. 37.60 min W

If you are coming from the east, exit the 210 at Mountain and the road will eventually make its way to Mt. Baldy Rd.

Manker Flats parking is usually the first place above the Icehouse Parking Lot where you will see a bunch of cars in the median or shoulder of the the south bound lanes...plus a couple of Porta-Potties.

Hey, Bill -- will you join in this enterprise?

Thank you for the directions Alan and wbtravis5152 (Bill ?). I will be coming from HB. Hope we can get more takers but regardless, I am looking forward to meeting you, Alan.

Cheers!
MC

For me everything is last minute these days. It's the day I hike, the time I start and the canyon I do most of my day hiking in. Therefore, If everything is right in my little world I will be there. I'm rounding back into Mt. Baldy shape...we did Bighorn last weekend right up the north face.

Myself and another couple guys can probably do Saturday the 5th. Anyone besides Kurt have a key to the hut? Nice place to fill water bottles.

Alan you guys mind if I tag along? April 5th 7am?

Show up at Manker Flats at 7 AM on Saturday, April 5 and you're in!

I agree that hanging out in the Hut with Kurt is great. with Kurt occupied on Everest, we'd need someone else with a key. I am not planning on getting into the Hut. However, I was there last Friday and the stream was flowing like gangbusters. There is no problem with filling a bottle from the same source the Hut uses.

If you go on the weekend there is usually a caretaker there. However sometimes they lock up and go for a summit hike, so the stream is a good backup.

You had better start at 6 AM.

DARN...thought we could get away with the later start since you are on your way to the big E! Nothing gets past you, does it!!! Again, best of luck and success to you and your team, Kurt! Climb safe..

MC

Thank God that "the Enforcer" is out there to keep us honest!

Kurt -- Best of luck with your Everest expedition! If you have a spare moment, would you mind tossing us the keys to the Sierra Club Hut. I'm sure you have them with you just in case. We want to show our guest the picture of your dad on the wall. We promise to clean it and lock up up before we leave.

That is hilarious....even when halfway around the world, Kurt drops in to regulate Alan.

I was hoping to run into Kurt next week on Whitney as SMI has a few trips scheduled around the same time. Oh well, maybe one of the other times I escape from the midwest to get back to the mountains. Best of luck Kurt and stay safe.

You can run, but you can't hide... big brother is definately watching us...