Bear Flat March 21

[Nano]

I think I am going to trya Baldy summit via Bear Flat Trail. Have done it several times but not in snow. I think snowshoes/crampons may be necessary. Anyone ever done it this time of year that has some advice to share. Thanks.

[Ellen]

Howdy Nano,

I did Bear Flat last year in the winter with crampons. Parts were very icy requiring an ice axe. I recommend posting on the San Gabriel site to obtain reconnaissance for the trail.
http://sangabrielmnts.myfreeforum.org/index

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Nano]

thanks. did you need/use snowshoes at all or just crampons? Was an ice-ax necessary? You summited i assume.

[Ellen]

Howdy Nano

Just used crampons. Based on my experience on San Jacinto last Saturday and reading recent trip reports for Baldy and San Gorgonio, the snow has consolidated enough that snowshoes are superfluous.

I'm recommending the ice-axe for safety reasons. It was so icy that I had to kick step in with my crampons at several places, which was a bit scary. I also tried to stay on top of the ridges rather than traversing to follow the trail.

It took me about 5 hours to summit -- normally takes me less than 3:30 without snow.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Nano]

Thanks so much for your advice. I am going to do it next Sat.

[EnFuego]

Nano, I was just up there this past Saturday. Snow is very consolidated. Very hard and icy from morning till about 9:30am or so. Not deep enought to require snow shoes, but crampons necessary and ice axe highly recommended or trekking poles.

Have fun and be safe.

[Nano]

Thanks brother. I am ready to go on that trail, and I can't wait. Do you think route-finding is necessary or is it pretty clear. Will going by memory be ok you think?