Dec 24, 2022 – Merry Christmas Eve! 🎄
Mt Baldy via Register Ridge / Mt Harwood
Elevation: 10,064 ft
Total Elevation Gain: 3,945 ft
Distance: 8.5 miles

The shortest way to the top is not always the fastest, and definitely not the easiest. I gained an average 1,000 ft elevation for every mile I pushed upward. Miles 2 and 3 were extremely demanding with ~1,300 ft of elevation gain each. There was little snow on the Register Ridge trail all the way to the summit from this way. I descended the Ski Hut Trail, which was all snow-covered. Crampons and poles are a must if you're planning to hike from the ski hut to the summit. Start your hike as early as possible as this trail has sun exposure and makes the snow slushy later in the morning.

It was beautiful sunny day with very little wind at the summit.

Peak #5 in my quest to complete the #SixPackofPeaks Challenge! One more to go this year (might be Santiago Peak).

🏃🏔️❄️🔥💯🦅
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