Tahquitz Peak (well, almost) & more 1/6

[Sally]

This AM I headed up the Devils Slide trail from Humber Park. After the 1st 15 or so minutes I gleefully put on my new microspikes and started up the snowy switchbacks. It was not cold so I took off my jacket and gloves. The trail was covered in snow with only a few patches of dirt. I couldn't believe how effortless and sure-footed the going was with the microspikes.

Soon I was at Saddle Junction, and I took the Tahquitz Peak turnoff. The trail was not very discernable, but I just followed someone elses footprints. At first it seemed like the footprints were following the trail, but suddenly they headed straight up a hill to a ridge and stopped. The view was beautiful, and I could see the Tahquitz Peak lookout tower on the next ridge over. So near but so far. As there were no more footprints to follow, and I'm not one to go blazing my own trail through the snow, I headed back to Saddle Junction.

It was only about noon, so I decided to see how far I could go on the trail that goes to Round Valley and San J Peak. The trail was easy to follow despite the snow. I went about 2 miles and figured it was time to turn around. I hiked down so quickly that I could have hike another hour before turning around. Maybe next week I'll go farther.

It was such a warm day that a lot of snow melted. I suggest you all get up there soon!

Yet another wonderful day in the mountains.

[bluerail]

those little spikes are wonderful arent they? sounds like a nice day.

[Sally]

It was indeed. I forgot to mention that photos are to follow when I figure out how to post them.

[Blooty]

As there were no more footprints to follow, and I'm not one to go blazing my own trail through the snow.....

I've been debating getting a GPS for that sole reason. I have had that same thing happen to me...v. frustrating when on an unfamiliar trail/terrain. Sounds like you had a great day!

I am leaning towards doing the Deer Springs trail with a side trip via the Devils slide instead of up to LRV and the summit.

[asabat]

The trail was not very discernable, but I just followed someone elses footprints. At first it seemed like the footprints were following the trail, but suddenly they headed straight up a hill to a ridge and stopped.

Glad you stopped when the tracks stopped.

A few years ago a PCT hiker on San Jac lost the trail in the snow and then found footprints. She followed those tracks blindly for quite some distance until they led to a tent, whose occupant asked her if SHE knew where the trail was. They were now BOTH lost. The next morning they retraced their footprints (thankfully not covered by new snow) back to the trail.

NEVER blindly follow tracks without knowing if they go the right way.

[Sally]

Here are my Pictures as promised!

http://picasaweb.google.com/sallymorley ... directlink

[OtherHand]

From your pics it looks like you stopped just above Chinquapin Flats. From that point to Tahquitz Peak gets real hairy in winter. That very steep slope in your pics looking at the peak? The route goes across the face of it. Even with crampons and an ice ax it's something you'd want to think about carefully due to the consequences if something does go wrong. It's about a 1,000' drop down that chute. That face seems to hold the snow and ice for quite a while. I got skunked about three times this past year trying to do the route before it all melted.

[Sally]

OtherHand, I took a look at the map at that point, and said to myself "No way!" I too have come across snow in the spring on the face of that slope.

[nobohobo]

looks at photos green with envy, shakes head and wonders why i live on the right coast. winter out there looks so easy breezy!

[bluerail]

dave, we haven't even had a winter yet. hope we get more of one.