looking for partner(s): Santa Rosa Traverse

[eric1234]

Im looking for anyone who is interested in traversing the Santa Rosa Ridge, starting from Calcite Mine Trailhead and traversing to Mt. Santa Rosa, then dropping down to Rockhouse Canyon and hiking out. I can start the traverse anytime between Wednesday (April 2) and Thursday (April 3), but need to be finished latest by Sunday evening. I am willing to take anywhere between 2-4 days to complete the route. The terrain is nontechnical (class 1-2) with maybe an easy class 3 move, but there will be some bushwhacking.

Approximate stats: 60 miles and 20,000 ft gain

weather
trailhead: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.ph ... zjrVPldWTI
highest point reached: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.ph ... zjrevldWTI

Keep in mind that there will be NO WATER until ~24 miles on the ridge. The upper reaches of the range are due to get a few inches of snow Tuesday-Wednesday.

some trip reports on shortened versions of this traverse (note that these reports start or end at Rabbit Peak Trailhead. I plan to start at Calcite Mine Trailhead)
http://angeles.sierraclub.org/dps/archives/dps00752.htm
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=2710507

PM me if interested, and Ill send you more route info

[Sally]

This sounds like an interesting hike, Eric! Having done about 17,000 vertical combined in the 3 hikes I did this week I thought maybe I was qualified to join you. But then I read the trip reports! Between the bush- whacking and difficult terrain and having to carry so much water, I don't think I'm quite up to the task.

Have fun, and I'm looking forward to the TR and pictures!

[Robert Hunt]

Hi Eric. I've done this same route solo in the reverse direction around Thanksgiving. You should have great conditions. My big mistake was preping for snow (there had been a big storm days before) & carrying heavy clothing, gloves, big stove w/fuel to melt snow, and little water. On the approach to Toro I could see no snow & ended up hauling water and heavy gear that I never used. I also carried WAY too much food. The full loop ended up taking me just under 72 hours as the days were short & the nights were zero visibility clouds. Wish I could tag along on this one, can't. Pm me if you think I might be of any help route or timing-wise. I've come to learn to never expect water ON Santa Rosa ridge & btw..."some bushwacking"? Be safe while you wander the knife-edge above it all.
-Robert

[Robert Hunt]

Btw Eric, I can't get your Folly Ridge climb out of my mind. Must have been amazing. You probably think of it even more fondly as the memories of bushwacking fade. Ah..."some bushwacking", now I'm getting it.
-Robert

[Robert Hunt]

Sorry for hijacking your companion-search thread Eric. I'm dying to know if you went for it, & how'd it go? Pretty ambitious UP & back from entire ridge. I thought of you sun while on an out & back from McCain Vlly (Thule mtn)-Jacumba mtn & knowing how much more your plans entailed.
-Robert