Axe and Crampons 201…North Baldy Semi-Beginner's Trip

THIS IS NOT A SNOWSHOE TRIP!!

I have promised some folks I’d take them up North Baldy this winter and they will receive RSVP YES preference. This climb will be limited to 6 to 8 participants…depending on how I feel about things at the time I start moving folks off the WAITING LIST…just because you are first on the list does not guarantee you a place on the RSVP YES list.

About this hike: This is a ridge climb from where the trail is no longer an option. This means the trip that a trip to the summit, which is 4-miles in the summer, can be as little as 1 1/4-miles in the winter.

This is through the woods, which can be disconcerting to some because it is difficult to ascertain your direction of travel by sight but it is the descent, which can be problematic for this reason, not the ascent. It is easy to get off line if you do not know what you are doing; my last winter trip up I saw an inexperienced group go down a chute that was more than a bit dangerous in pursuit of a glissading opportunity.

This trip will be after the snow from the first major storm has consolidated. You do not want to posthole up this hill.

If this is still semi-new to you and want to know what I carry up this hill…click More>Files>+30* Gear List…forget the snowshoes and tails, they ain’t coming this trip.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A CRUISE CONTROL TRIP TO THE SUMMIT OF NORTH BALDY, DO NOT SIGN UP. I AIN’T NO STINKING TOUR GUIDE.

REQUIRED: A base skill set or participation in an organized basic snow skill course, ice axe, 10 points or better crampons, climbing helmet, dark sunglasses, 10 hiking essentials, a functioning brain and enough clothes to survive the night at 9,399’

RECOMMENDED: GPS and a hot drink or stove to make something hot

OPITIONAL: Trekking poles and Microspikes

The Organizer(s) reserve the right to send your silly unprepared ass home, no questions asked, no answers given.

NO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS, NO GO ON PRETTY CLIMB

Directions: Exit I-15 at CA-18 head west to CA-2, then south towards Wrightwood. Pass through this humble burg and make your way to Vincent Gap Parking Lot. You know you have gone too far, if you are one with the locked gate on ACH.

WHOM DO I SUE: This is not an official organization chartered to make certain any level of safety greater when you venture into the Wilderness by your lonesome, if you want something like that seek out the Sierra Club with there rules, regulations and signed waivers of liability. Do not expect organizer(s) to check the qualifications of anyone you are hiking or climbing with. Any questions asked of you when you sign up is to ensure the organizer(s) safety, nothing more. If you have doubts about going on this particular meetup, you should find someone you trust, go alone or choose not to participate.