12/9/23 A chance to do a small section of the PCT for the first time, from Inspiration Pt to top of the Acorn trail. 12mi round trip and around 2,700' of gain.
1 Starting out from Inspiration Pt just above Highway 2 outside of Wrightwood. Great views from Mt Baden-Powell all the way to the ocean.
2 This section of the PCT passes right along the top oft the Mt High ski resort. It's still only man-made snow in December this year.
3 The snowboarders seemed to be enjoying it though.
4 (man-made) snow on the trail.
5 Nice views.
6 The PCT actually crosses ski runs in multiple places. They're not being used right now because of the dry winter, but I wonder what happens in a normal winter? I guess you have to dodge the snowboarders!
7 Getting into some beautiful rolling single track now.
8 First views of Pine Mtn.
9 Made it the 6mi to the top of the Acorn trail. Definitely cool getting here via different route. I had thought about driving up the truck route, but it was closed.
10 The ominous view of the ridge trail up Pine Mtn. If I had more time, I would have tried pressing on. But I had to get back to relieve the babysitter!
11 Went just a little further to the bowl.
12 Heading back now as the sun is getting low.
13 Beautiful sunset over Baden-Powell.
14 And out to the ocean.
15 Sunset panorama.
16 Back to the ski runs. Good thing the PCT signs are reflective, or it could be hard to follow the trail in the dark.
17 There's some snowboarders out for a night session.
18 The wind is howling and snow from the snow blowers is blowing all over the trail.
19 Pitch black now.
20 Back to the highway and end to quick but fun 12mi, 2,700' gain, day.
