Tag: hiking index

  • Angelus Oaks to San Bernardino Peak

    Angelus Oaks to San Bernardino Peak

    We climbed San Bernardino Peak today.

    The hike started from Angelus Oaks. We left Loma Linda around 6:00 am, arriving at the 1W07 trailhead forty minutes later. It was cold, but I started out in shorts, a quick-dry t-shirt, and a beanie to prevent heat loss through the head. It turned out to be fine, because once we got started, I warmed up quickly.

    Originally, I had planned this trip for mid to late November, and there were around 7 to 8 people on the “interested” list. It was supposed to be an overnight trip, staying at High Meadow while enroute to San Gorgonio on a through hike to Vivian Creek. Wanting to take advantage of a little more daylight, I moved the trip to early November. Then, because I couldn’t confirm that there would be running water for backcountry camping, I decided to make it a dayhike. In the end, it was only Corey, Juliana, and me.

    Enroute, we passed Limber Pine Springs, which was nearly completely frozen. One could still hear a faint trickle below the thick ice cover. Having passed our only potential water source, we conserved for the rest of the trip.

    The view from near Colonel Washington’s monument was spectacular. Baseline Avenue was visible, extending straight due west from where we were standing. Big Bear Lake shimmered to the north, looking as if it would just spill right over the low ridge right in front if it. The actual summit stood just a little ahead. The almost 7.5-mile hike up about 4500 vertical feet took us 4.5 hours, including breaks. At the top, we had lunch, napped, and read from Psalm 104.

    The hike down took 3 hours. It was downhill all the way. Corey ran out of water halfway down, and I finished off my water a little before reaching our car. Back at the car, we tanked off.

    The way home was uneventful. From Nevada Street, we glimpsed San Bernardino Peak behind the haze and tinted pink by the setting sun. Another beautiful Sabbath just drew to a close.

  • Rainier’s Northern Loop Trail

    Rainier’s Northern Loop Trail

    I arrived in Seattle. The first part of the trip will be a backpacking excursion along the Northern Loop Trail of Mount Rainier National Park before joining the Western Orthopaedic Association.

    Sunday morning, Brad and I drove to White River Ranger Station to pick up our permits after having breakfast at IHOP. We then parked in the backpackers’ lot in Sunrise. The hike up to Frozen Lake seemed more strenuous than usual, but the views of the surrounding valleys were spectacular. As part of the plan, we took a spur trail to the Fremont Lookout to visualize the terrain. Having hiked through fields of wildflowers, we camped at Berkeley Park Camp the first night.

    The next day, we hiked through the expanse of Grand Park before descending to the West Fork. The crossing was easier than expected. Mosquitoes greeted us as we climbed the next section to James Camp. There, we decided that we had to move on to Yellowstone Cliffs Camp, which was a good decision. Yellowstone Cliffs Camp was situated at the foot of sheer rock faces, next to a stream, and covered with some snow patches. We were the only campers there that night. Brad brought dark chocolate cheesecake to mark this middle night of the trip.

    On Tuesday, we hiked down to the Carbon River, then up along an exposed trail along the Carbon Glacier. After a scenic meadow, we climbed a small ridge and descended to Mystic Lake and the camp just beyond.

    The hike out on the following day gave us the opportunity to climb up to the saddle next to Skyscraper Mountain. From there, we had an amazing vantage point, seeing the Fremont Lookout, Yellowstone Cliffs, and Mystic Lake. We hiked out under refreshing light and, at times, heavy rain, which helped wash away sweat and trail dirt. Soon, we reached the car and drove into a Seattle drowned in record heat.

    I unwound at Kerry Park, taking in the panorama of the city getting ready for another evening.

  • Grand Canyon

    Grand Canyon

    We’ve all been looking forward to the Grand Canyon hike.

    Very early Saturday morning, as the mercury plummets to below 20 degrees F, Todd and I pull into Mather Campground after a very long drive from Las Vegas, post AAOS. The frozen ground crackles under our feet as we step out of the car. Brad had arrived several hours ago, and Corey, Rob, and Seth just turned in a little before we did. Under the glow of headlamps, we pitch our two-man tent and quickly fall asleep.

    Before sunrise that same morning, I get up first. The rest of the crew comes out of the tent, one by one. After sharing some bagels and cream cheese, most of us wash it down with soymilk. Rushing to the Backcountry Office, we arrive just a little ahead of the non-stop bus that is to take us to our trailhead. At the South Kaibab trailhead, under blue skies, the winds bite through the layers of clothing. We quickly descend below the Grand Canyon rim to escape. Mule droppings blanket the ice and snow layers during the first part of the hike, and it gives us some traction as well. During the hike down the numerous switchbacks, we sometimes catch glimpses of the opaque green Colorado River. At the river’s edge, we cross over to the north side on a suspension bridge. We set up camp right next to the Bright Angel Creek in a site that is more developed than I had thought it would be.

    The temperature is pleasant at the river. Going to bed early, I wake up before dawn and hike to the river for solitude and photography. The river, which was greenish the day before, churns like light chocolate milk. Returning to the campsite, I join the rest in a breakfast of scrambled eggs with tortillas. We hike out through a level area along the shore before starting the grueling ascent to Indian Garden. With persistence, we climb out of the canyon by mid-afternoon. Corey, Rob, and Seth drive home that evening. Brad, Todd, and I go back to Mather Campground and set up the tent. After the pay-showers, we take in the sunset and spectacular views from Yavapai Point. We then drive to El Tovar to treat ourselves to a well-deserved dinner.

    Sunrise this morning is rather bland, with very little clouds to add interest to the monotonous sky. Nevertheless, we get some good pictures of the canyon. Our Phantom Ranch Bright Angel campground is easily seen from the Yavapai vantage point. After packing up, we drive to Williams and again treat ourselves to a nice meal at Denny’s. Here, Brad parts ways with Todd and me. The rest of the drive home is uneventful, except for the incessant nagging of sore thighs and calves.