Started at 10am, with 46 degrees at 8300’ of elevation (no, thats not a typo).  Temps increased into the high 50s.

It was a great day to be in the Chumash Wilderness.  Tomorrow and Saturday, not so much.

Don’t try this hike without Micro-spikes and poles, until all the snow is gone, which will be awhile.

I brought snowshoes, but only used them for a short stretch, just past Sawmill.

Trail conditions varied greatly throughout the hike.  Dry, to very wet and muddy.

Icy, slushy, hardpacked snow that is littered with frozen footprints from previous hikers.

Not an ideal surface to walk on, which becomes more and more evident with each mile logged.

I did see two hikers near Mt Pinos that were heading toward the parking lot, but after that, complete and total solitude.

I tried this hike in mid-December to pay tribute to my spirit animal OR-93 but encountered very deep snow between Mt Pinos and Sawmill.

I was forced to turn back, due to time restraints.  Something OR-93 would never have done :o)

I planned many follow up trips since, but the road to the trailhead is frequently closed due to snow and ice, and often requires chains.

Cuddy Valley Road to Mt Pinos Nordic Base.  Check for road closures before you go.  Safe travels.

https://kernpublicworks.com/transportation/road-status-closures/