Ice Canyon Blues
I attempted my biggest hike yet in Southern California: the Mt. Baldy Icehouse Canyon to Icehouse Saddle trail (34.25079012220063, -117.63412646687995), a demanding 7-mile out & back with roughly 2,500 feet of elevation gain. My goal was to complete part of it, and I did just that, covering 5 miles and about 1,500 feet of gain. This hike was straight up, with some steep drop offs as we climbed through the canyon.
The trail was busy! Seeing such a diverse mix of hikers out there was inspiring. Vader had an absolute blast on this one. Plenty of water crossings and a rugged, technical path that required navigating rock field and sections of washed out trail.
Of course I get into high elevation hiking again right before ski season starts, apparently very late, in Southern California. Finishing the full hike is officially on my short list of fitness goals.
UP.
DOWN.
Good omen… a Rainbow Trout trail marker. Perhaps I should have brought my fishing gear.
Lone cabin in the woods about to catch the soft morning light.
Vader excited to get going, he’s been loving the water crossings. Typical Poodle behavior.
Stumbled onto stone remains of old cabins tucked away in the canyon.
Carefully navigating around steep washed out sections of the trail.
Sir Vader Velociraptor Lee AKA the Rockhopper Mountain Goat! By far his most technical hike to date.
Training Vader to pose in front of trees like his brother Roscoe. We have some work to do.
One of the perks of an early start… watching a wall of morning light slowly work its way down the canyon.
Nothing like earning your first ray of sunshine after an uphill grind.
Came across this interesting rock formation, looks like a giant slab of petrified wood.
Scenic views of the rocky crossings and forested walls of fortress Icehouse Canyon.
Right around the time we decided to turn around, meeting our goal of climbing 1500 ft.
Greeted by views of steep granite walls and rugged slopes as we start our descent.
As per usual, Vader hit his mid-hike zoomies. Apparently the climb into the canyon just wasn’t challenging enough.
Well timed glimpse of a fellow hiker, ascending through the rock fields.