San Gorgonio Snow- Part I

2/13/11  Having summitted San Jacinto and Mt. Baldy in the snow in 2010, I had made it a goal to solo summit San Gorgonio in the snow during the winter of 2011. This was an exploratory trip as the first step towards reaching that goal.
IMG_0206 I had to decide which trail to take to the top. A longer flatter route like South Fork, or a shorter, steeper route like Vivian Creek. I ended-up deciding that...
I had to decide which trail to take to the top. A longer flatter route like South Fork, or a shorter, steeper route like Vivian Creek. I ended-up deciding that…
IMG_0207 Mill Creek in the morning. I got a late start because I thought I had to go into the ranger station to get my day-use permit (I hadn't faxed it in far enough...
Mill Creek in the morning. I got a late start because I thought I had to go into the ranger station to get my day-use permit (I hadn't faxed it in far enough…
IMG_0208 Crossing Mill Creek. I've never hiked or run this trail before, so I'm hoping this exploratory trip helps me learn the terrain, find the trailhead and...
Crossing Mill Creek. I've never hiked or run this trail before, so I'm hoping this exploratory trip helps me learn the terrain, find the trailhead and…
IMG_0209 The trail climbs about 1200' of steep switchbacks right away, making for a quick warm-up. That section of trail was mostly dry, so I made good time. At the top...
The trail climbs about 1200' of steep switchbacks right away, making for a quick warm-up. That section of trail was mostly dry, so I made good time. At the top…
IMG_0211 Crossing Vivian Creek. This is one of the most picteresque spots I've encountered in all of Southern CA. No wonder this trail is the most popular. It's packed...
Crossing Vivian Creek. This is one of the most picteresque spots I've encountered in all of Southern CA. No wonder this trail is the most popular. It's packed…
IMG_0214 Another creek shot.
Another creek shot.
IMG_0215 The creek turns into a bit of marshy area admist the snow at the end of the valley.
The creek turns into a bit of marshy area admist the snow at the end of the valley.
IMG_0216 The creek cutting through the snow.
The creek cutting through the snow.
IMG_0217 This is legit alpine territory up here. I wish I had a good camera with me, but I'm stuck using the iPhone 4 for pictures, because my normal camera is dead.
This is legit alpine territory up here. I wish I had a good camera with me, but I'm stuck using the iPhone 4 for pictures, because my normal camera is dead.
IMG_0219 I've had good tracks to follow up to this point, but here I lose the trail. The map says go this way, but the tracks turn into a free for all up the steep slope...
I've had good tracks to follow up to this point, but here I lose the trail. The map says go this way, but the tracks turn into a free for all up the steep slope…
IMG_0220 Turns out I should have followed the tracks rather than the map. They took a shortcut, where I end-up adding at least a mile to my trip going around a little...
Turns out I should have followed the tracks rather than the map. They took a shortcut, where I end-up adding at least a mile to my trip going around a little…
IMG_0221 I reach the Halfway Camp area and end-up taking another little detour to the end of the valley. Turns out I had missed the trail junction to High Creek. But the...
I reach the Halfway Camp area and end-up taking another little detour to the end of the valley. Turns out I had missed the trail junction to High Creek. But the…
IMG_0223 You can also see San Jacinto from this vista point.
You can also see San Jacinto from this vista point.
IMG_0224 Another view from Halfway Camp.
Another view from Halfway Camp.
IMG_0226 It's a little hard to see, but in the middle of the picture you can make out a good sized waterfall as High Creek roars down the valley.
It's a little hard to see, but in the middle of the picture you can make out a good sized waterfall as High Creek roars down the valley.
IMG_0227 I finally make it to High Creek, a popular spot for those doing the summit as a backpacking trip (in snow or dry). The elevation here is 9230'.
I finally make it to High Creek, a popular spot for those doing the summit as a backpacking trip (in snow or dry). The elevation here is 9230'.
IMG_0239 The trail leaves High Creek and makes a quick 800' climb out of the valley in just over a half mile. It doesn't look like much in the picture, but that's steep....
The trail leaves High Creek and makes a quick 800' climb out of the valley in just over a half mile. It doesn't look like much in the picture, but that's steep.…
IMG_0228 Once you reach the ridge above High Creek though, the view is amazing. Awesome view of San Jacinto.
Once you reach the ridge above High Creek though, the view is amazing. Awesome view of San Jacinto.
IMG_0229 Another view from the ridge above High Creek.
Another view from the ridge above High Creek.
IMG_0235 Moving on along the ridge, you soon get a view of the summit. It seems so close. Ya right.
Moving on along the ridge, you soon get a view of the summit. It seems so close. Ya right.