It was a nice sunny day out, although under the constant cover of the trees, it was sometimes easy to forget. The combination of the recent rains and the bit of snow melting at the top turned the creek crossings into downright river crossings. I was able to navigate the majority of them without my socks getting too wet, but luckily I brought an extra pair of socks that I was able to change into when I was resting at the summit. Snow and ice on the trail near the summit didn’t present too big of an issue with the help of one of my poles. Summit was cold but beautiful, with great views of the surrounding mountains blanketed in snow. Extremely icy around the observatory. Keep an eye out for the poodle dog bush on the way down the other side. It is concentrated in the burn areas as usual. I took the lower winter creek junction on my way back. The water crossings there were much worse and I quickly decided that hiking the last 2 miles with soggy feet was worth the frustration in trying to find a dry path across. As a San Diegan, this hike has given me a new outlook on the mountains surrounding the LA area. Looking forward to many more!
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Responses
Well, done! Being a lifelong Angeleno, I’m still amazed by the wilderness northeast of us. Enjoy the rest I’d telhe peaks!