My first official trip report of the winter season is a bittersweet one. In fairness it might be best to call this a climbing trip report, rather than skiing—though we did bring skis.
I sometimes think Southern California Ski Mountaineering is a genre unto itself. This adventure did nothing to dissuade me of that notion. But wow did I pay an expensive price for it!
Half DomeWaterfalls, wires, and waiting in line: it's Yosemite's most iconic route—Half Dome via the infamous cables.
Kaibab-Bright Angel LoopDown the South Kaibab and up the Bright Angel Trail—an extraordinary rim-to-river day hike in the Grand Canyon.
The Bridge to NowhereA favorite Southern California day hike and a dramatic collision between grand plans and nature's wrath.
Mt. Whitney: The East FaceEnjoy a little Fresh Air on Mount Whitney's East Face — an extraordinary high alpine rock climbing route.
PCT: Onion Valley to Cottonwood PassThe Pacific Crest Trail from Onion Valley to Cottonwood Pass—a five day, fifty mile hike through the interior Sierra.
North Palisade: the U-NotchGlaciers, couloirs, and rock in the heart of the High Sierra: 14,242' North Palisade is a true California classic.
Grand Canyon: Walter Powell RouteMy brother and I go off the map in the Grand Canyon to find Walter Powell's 1869 rim-to-river route.
Sandstone Peak: Mishe Mokwa LoopOcean, canyon, and city views abound in this easy day hike to the top of Southern California's Santa Monica Mountains.
January 13th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
For Sale: One slightly used Nikon D300 camera. Slight scratches where serial number used to be, but otherwise this beauty is in great condition. Will include memory card with embarrassing pictures of semi-famous backcountry blogger for a small additional fee.
(*ouch!*)
January 13th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
Andy. Well said.
January 13th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
Nicely written. That was a great trip. Ah, great being a relative term. I miss my hat. It’s somewhere in Baldy Bowl by now.
January 13th, 2009 at 10:52 pm
When did you do this trip?
January 14th, 2009 at 7:55 am
This was Saturday, Jan 10.
January 15th, 2009 at 8:11 am
Nice story and adventure Andy.
In the massive snow year of 1995 on June 13 in one foot of new powder down to the 4,000 foot level, a friend and I climbed the north side of Harwood in what was like a bowling alley of rocks falling down on us. We made Harwood, finding various ski and pole parts along the way from the two out of bounds skiers who died in an avalanche there that year, then worked our way around to Lyle Creek and skied it via snow bridges that were 20 feet above the river. What we did could only happen in a huge snow year — It was a very memorable experience in a very memorable area.
Alvin
January 17th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
Is there still snow in the bowl? I’m thinking of heading up this weekend, but want to know whether to bring skis or not. Kind of sounding like a no.
January 17th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Scott,
A group of friends drove up to ski Baldy Bowl today — and turned around and went home. They said coverage was too bleak to bother.
Note that north aspects do have snow. But the problem with these is 1) access and 2) bulletproof (ie deadly) ice. We need more snow.
January 18th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Thanks for the info. Like you said, it’s a great weekend for hiking and biking!
October 14th, 2009 at 12:23 am
The only place for a story like this is in the Baldy area. Genius really. You cant make this stuff up.