4/15/18 My first trip up the backside of Baldy in over 6 years. I missed this trail! Defintely still one of my all-time favorites. A little snow left on top added to the challenge.
1 Some interesting new signage for the Acorn Trail.
2 And a new bench at the top of the Acorn Trail. I always have mixed emotions about these sort of things. In another 6 years there will probably be a port 'o potty here :(
3 First view of Pine Mtn and the crazy ridge trail leading up to it. I wasn't anticipating snow up there! There was no visible snow anywhere on the South face or even driving up to Wrightwood. That might make for a longer day.
4 The short section of fireroad was actually nice with a fresh layer of pine needles.
5 A very cool memorial sign added since l was up here last.
6 I always love this bowl.
7 And there's the Backbone trail leading up to Pine Mtn. Definitely one of the gnarlier sections of trail in SoCal.
8 Love this trail!
9 The "trail".
10 Even without snow, you don't want to slip here! How (why?) did I ever do this in icy conditions solo?
11 First patch of snow at about 7,500'.
12 The snow patches get more frequent through the trees.
13 Top of Pine Mtn with the view of Dawson and then the rest of the Backbone trail up to the Baldy summit.
14 On Dawson now with a better look at the 800ft moral-crushing drop before making the 1,200ft last climb to the top. It looks like there is quite a bit of snow along the ridge where the trail is, which worries me.
15 I love the gnarled trees up here.
16 Even gnarlier.
17 The snow patches are getting bigger. There are footprints, but old melted ones. Looks like noone has been up this way for a little while.
18 Within site of the top.
19 Made it! This sign is new, maybe added after Sam passed away to prevent people from heading down the wrong way :( I'm pretty sure that mileage is quite a ways off though.
20 Another Baldy summit in the books.
21 West Baldy and Iron Mountain. I'm going to do that ridge between the two of them some day!
22 The Backbone trail from Pine Mtn to Dawson to the top.
23 Still some snow on Gorgonio in the distance.
24 360 summit video.
25 Heading back down, following my own prints.
26 I don't remember ever coming across this before. Looks like someone consolidated all the old metal trash on top of Pine Mtn.
27 That would be one heck of a ride...
28 This picture actually gives some sense of perspective on how steep and loose the trail down Pine Mtn is! But I made it down and back to the car just before headlamp time. Another great day on Baldy!