We started off our 6 pack challenge (perhaps overambitiously) with a winter summit of Mt. Baldy. The route was beautiful and relentless- straight up the entire way with almost no switchbacks for relief. We didn't encounter any snow on our way to the ski hut, and made the trek in the sun in about an hour and a half. We were warm in our base layers and ended up carrying most of our layers. The views from the ski hut were gorgeous, and we encountered dozens of hikers on the way up, who all ended up hanging out at the ski hut to enjoy the sun. The hut was a perfect rest stop, and we took the opportunity to take in some food, repack our packs, and get started on what we thought (according to Hikespeak reports) would be a hard but doable final mile push.

The reports I'd read on hikespeak described the final ascent as challenging for the first 2/3rds of a mile, and then easier to follow. THIS IS NOT TRUE!! The entirety of the trek from the ski hut to the summit is on a very steep incline, and it does not let up after 2/3 of a mile. This final section was definitely the most challenging for us, so save some energy and have patience! We took small breaks every few minutes, and found that though our physical exhaustion was hard to push through, our mental limits became an even bigger obstacle. The mountain is incredibly steep, covered in snow with pockets and holes, and the trail is very difficult to follow in the winter. I found myself feeling afraid of the conditions and unsure of my ability to finish it. We came across only 2-3 groups of hikers going up the summit, and we were one of the last to head up- we made it to the top by 2pm after a 9:45 AM start. When the summit was in view, probably no more than .2 miles away, I hit my limit, emotionally and physically. I didn't think I could make it. The winds were picking up, my legs were giving out, and I wasn't sure I could make it to the top- even though it was in site. Luckily, my partner encouraged me to continue, and we made it to the summit after a final 10 minute (very slow!) push to the summit.

While I was relieved to have made it to the top, the summit was not a place to linger this time of year. The winds were serious. We took our pictures, had a quick look, and made it down the steep incline quickly. That “I did it” summit feeling didn't hit until we reached the tree line again. We made it back to the car in less than half the time.

All in all, a wonderful, challenging, gorgeous hike. Our tally had us hiking about 10 miles RT in a little under 9 hours. Come with snacks, plenty of layers, spikes, and be ready for a butt-kicker of a trek.