7/16/20 Second time up the Aspen Grove trail, but much different looking than last time after a huge fire a few years ago on this side of the mountain. But 23 miles and more than 4,500' of gain is always fun.
1 Burnt out, but still beautiful in its own way.
2 Crossing Fish Creek.
3 Still some wildflowers out.
4 Green and a little overgrown, perfect.
5 This is where my Dad and I got briefly lost last time I was here. There's a sign now, but it's still pretty confusing.
6 Fish Creek Meadow.
7 Leaving Fish Creek Meadow.
8 Starting to climb out of the burn zone.
9 Finally onto some nice unburnt singletrack.
10 The plane wreck.
11 Looking down the valley.
12 One of my favorite views of San Jacinto.
13 Panoramic view of San Jacinto.
14 Made it! I had the summit to myself.
15 A look at Big Bear Lake in the distance, and the last patch of snow. Not bad for mid-July in a dry year.
16 Don't even think about it dude...
17 This guy was very photogenic.
18 A look at Dry Lake on the way back.
19 All the way back down to Fish Creek.
20 All that remains of the Aspen Grove. They're more like Aspen bushes now, but at least they're making a comeback! End to a long but fun day.