My 1st solo 4000 footer in quite some time.

Temperatures were mild for January, hanging out in the 20 ° range.  I spent a good portion of the ascent with just 2 base layer t-shirts on, and regulating my temperature with a hat and gloves.  After spending about 45 minutes on the summit, it was time to head back.

Distance: 5.2 mi.
Elevation Gain: 2,150 ft.
Trails Used: Webster-Jackson Trail

Butch and Jim are back on a 4000 footer together after 12 years.

This would end up being one of my favorite hikes I have been on.  The day started off a little less cold than we anticipated, with temperatures at the trail head around 10°.  The weather was perfect until we hit the North peak, and then a front moved in, so views were limited as well as photo ops.

Besides having to ditch 1 pole at the parking lot due to malfunction, and my water line freezing up 30 minutes into the trip; the hike in was excellent.  It’s a great trail to warm up on, with next to no elevation gain for the first couple of miles.    Snowshoes would have been very nice for the steep, but we managed to make our way up it.  Getting the chance to glissade down the South peak made for a quick and fun descent.

Distance: 9.8 mi.
Elevation Gain: 2,650 ft.
Trails Used: Hancock Notch, Cedar Brook, Hancock Loop

Some family fun on Old Baldy

Trail info to come.