We drove up from San Diego on a clear day with the weather forecast that was perfect. It would be in the mid-60's at the Chantry Flats TH later in the day. We got there around 7:30AM and the parking lot was full so we valeted the Tesla for $20 instead of parking on the road. 🙁
We planned to do the original six pack route which is Chantry Flats up Sturtevant trail to the peak and then down Winter Creek to complete the 14-mile lollipop loop. This would include a side trip to the falls which were flowing nicely.
On the climb, you could not have asked for a better day or better trail conditions. The trail was dry with only a few spots of snow on the side as we approached the peak in the last mile. The climb was steep in the middle sections but then went to switchbacks towards the top. At the top, we ate lunch at the picnic tables near the cafe (closed this day), packed up and then headed back down the trail on the other side of the parking lot. The first half mile or so was burned out so the trail wasn't as good. We saw lots of runners coming up this trail. As we hiked down into the tree cover, it really was impressive. Probably one of the prettiest hikes I've done in these parts.
Not including the stop at the top, we did this hike in 6 hours which was our goal. Now onto Cucamonga Peak in a few weeks. It was a great day to be on the trail.
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