Special Snow Training & Conditioning Hike

Rashid and I would like to invite you to a special Sunday morning snow hike, beginning at the Ice House Canyon Trailhead and proceeding, if conditions permit, to Timber Mountain.

This hike is suitable for advanced beginner to intermediate-level hikers, with any level of experience on snow and ice. We will provide informal technique training and coaching as needed.

By the end of the day, you will:

Have a basic familiarity with snow-hiking techniques and equipment Understand and be able to identify elevated risks associated with snow and ice Get in a great hiking work-out with other fun and fit people

Please note:

Trekking poles and slip on spikes/chains* or crampons are required (no yaktrax please) Fleece and wind-stopping layers, and a hat and gloves are required Gaiters and waterproof pants are needed only if there is fresh snowfall Sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended Snacks and a light packed lunch are recommended * See: http://www.amazon.com/Kahtoola-MICROspikes-Traction-System-Black/dp/B002NBLAS0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1296862911&sr=8-1

Here is info on the hike…hope to see you there!

Ice House Canyon To Timber Mountain

Hike Type: Adventure, conditioning & skill development

Level: Advanced beginner to Intermediate

Route Type: Up & back

Distance: 9 miles

Elevation gain: 3500 feet

Terrain: Single-file footpath

Route summary:

This hike will take us nine miles roundtrip through Ice House Canyon and into the foothills of Mount Baldy (aka Mount San Antonio).

We will begin by heading northeast on the Ice House Canyon Trail and proceed 3.5 miles through the canyon until we reach the saddle at its head. From there, we turn northwest and proceed roughly one mile until we reach Timber Mountain. We will return by the same route.

Ice House Canyon offers a scenic, rocky, and reasonably challenging route without snow, and becomes more challenging when there is snow and ice. Once we reach the saddle and turn toward Timber Mountain, the route offers panoramic vistas, with views of Mt Baldy, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino.

Based on recent hiking in the area, we expect to encounter snow about three-quarters of the way to the saddle, but conditions are of course subject to change. Please note that our plan is to avoid the Chapman Trail entirely, as this is likely still fairly treacherous at several icy and exposed sections (class 4 due to iced-over scree chutes).

Please also note that we will assess conditions and make route adjustments as needed during our trip. During our last outing, the ridge trail to Timber was passable with poles and spikes, and the route allowed passage without exposure to the steep and icy eastern side of the ridge.

Essentials:

Please wear – brush-resistant pants, one or more wicking shirts appropriate to the temperature, comfortable hiking shoes or light boots, your favorite undergarments and accessories, and a light backpack.

Please bring – at least two liters of water, snacks, an extra layer of clothing, a charged cell phone, identification, a headlamp, a small first-aid kit, bug repellant and sunscreen, a waterproof shell if rain or snow is forecast, and any medications or anything else you might need on the trail.

In addition, please note:

Trekking poles and slip on spikes/chains or crampons are required (no yaktrax please) Fleece and wind-stopping layers, and a hat and glove are required Gaiters and waterproof pants are needed only if there is fresh snowfall Sunglasses and sunscreen are recommended Snacks and a light packed lunch are recommended

Parking:

Parking is available at the Ice House Canyon Trailhead. A Forest Service Day Pass, Adventure Pass, or Interagency Parking Permit is required. Because this lot fills quickly, and to lower our carbon footprint, car-pooling is encouraged.

Please do not leave anything of value in your car, at this or any other trailhead.

Directions:

From the north/south/east/west – Proceed to the 210 and Baseline Road (exit 52). Turn west on Baseline and then immediately turn right/north on Padua Avenue. Drive 1.8 miles and turn right on Mt. Baldy Road. Drive roughly 7 miles until you reach Baldy Village. Proceed slowly through the Village and continue for roughly 1.7 miles until you reach Ice House Canyon Road and the parking lot on the right.

DISCLAIMER / RELEASE OF LIABILITY

IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:

The hike host is a volunteer and not responsible for the group. Safety should be a priority for everyone in the group. Please treat this meet-up as hiking with a group of friends. If you become fatigued and unable to continue the hike, it is expected you will advise the hike host of this and return to our starting point on your own. If you are able to proceed, it is expected that you will maintain line of sight with other members of the group at all times and help to promote the group’s safety and fitness goals.

Outdoor sports and other events we plan can be inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you are taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. The Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers are not trained leaders and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions.

If you choose to sign up for this or any Weekday Trailblazers Meetup event, you are releasing the Weekday Trailblazers Meetup Group and its organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience.

PLEASE CONTACT ME WITH ANY QUESTIONS!