I thought about overnighting on Mount Baldy last night, but decided against it when I heard the weather report. I’m glad I stayed away. Freezing rain blanketed the mountain. I took Register Ridge, which is the most difficult route leading up to the summit of Mt. Baldy. It’s not a maintained trail. It’s more like a mountain goat trail, something you do to punish yourself to stay in shape. This route up Mount Baldy takes you up 2,640 feet of elevation gain in just 1.4 miles! I hate it… but I love it.
This route up Mount Baldy takes you up 2,640 feet of elevation gain in just 1.4 miles! I hate it… but I love it.
On this particular morning, as I approached the Backbone Trail from Register Ridge, I took these photos…
As far as I could see, the trees were covered in ice. What is usually a quiet hike was quite noisy with large icicles falling everywhere. I regretted not bringing a helmet when I got bonked on the head a few times by large chunks of ice.
I took a few more minutes than I usually do, being still and taking in where I was. Time seems to stop in moments like these. I had to pull myself away, get down the mountain, and get back to work. Uhhh.