After the steep climb up from the trailhead, I take the quick detour to check out Vivian Creek falls. At least there's a little water still flowing.
The Vivian Creek camp area is unquestionably one of the nicest spots in SoCal. Thank goodness this area didn't burn in the Apple fire.
The creek crossing here seems to get more and more built-up every time I'm here. It's going to be a full bridge soon.
Not as green as usual this time of year, but always beautiful.
Nothing beats pine needle covered singletrack.
Heading up the switchbacks above High Creek camp. There's only a few patches of snow in the shady spots.
As the trail hits the ridge above High Creek camp, the first signs of the Apple Fire are clear. They must have set a firebreak on the top of the ridge, because…
Almost the entire valley down the other side of the ridge is blackened :(
I had never scrambled out this outcropping before, so I decided to today.
This is one of the diciest SoCal traverses in the winter.
Made it! I spent a half hour on top without another human in sight.
Less snow than there was in mid-June last year, which was already a dry year. Not good.
Hazy San Jacinto in the distance.
The chipmunks up here are always very photogenic.
That's close enough dude...
Summit 360.
Made it all the way down in good time. Here crossing the creek bed at the end of the day. This is the only time I have ever seen it dry this time of year.
Cruising down the fireroad as the sun is getting low. End to another tough, but fun day on Gorgonio.