New Day, New Hike … Peak #3/12 : Mount Pinos … 8,847 ft elevation, 4 miles … in the snow!

Cuddy Valley Road had just been cleared by snow removal machine, so was open and we didn't even need chains.

Weather : Cold, clear sky, no wind … at first!

Trail : fresh snow powder on the ground, no trail, snowshoe hike

At first, the path was built, so easy to follow throughout the woods. However, towards the top, it was a humongous plaine of snow and no trail to be found. We had to closely follow GPS signal and create our own path in the snow. Then, the wind rose and it got foggy. The fog was so thick at some times, that the sun was nowhere to be seen. We really had to rely on GPS directions and compass to go in the right direction. 1/4 mile before the peak, we could finally see the antenna. We passed it to reach the “View Point”, from where we couldn't see anything because of so much fog!

Once we reached the “Iwihinmu” explanatory board, it started to snow and the wind got stronger, so we started our way down.

Once back in the woods, the snow got heavier, but the trail was still clear enough to be seen.

Great hike, intimidating fog, pure nature, no one out there, beautiful sceneries of trees, branches and bushes covered with frost or ice.