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Posted by zippetydude on August 18, 2009, 11:29:08, in reply to "San Gorgonio Peak In the winter"
216.70.172.101
Hi David. I've done it a few times in the snow, but I don't do Vivian because the section coming off the ridge above High Creek has some exposure that spooks me.
On the north face there's a route I learned here on this board. You simply take the South Fork trail up to Dry Lake, then stay to the right of the lake and head up any of the chutes to the ridgeline. Very simple, and as long as there's no danger of avalanche, seems pretty safe. I wear some lightweight running crampons (no toe spurs) and they work fine. I don't go when it gets icy.
As far as time, I find it takes me about 1 1/2 times as long in the snow, so if your day hike takes you 6 hours, you can reasonably do it in 9. If you usually take 10 hours, then at some point you're going to be in the dark.
That's especially tough when it's at elevation, with a wind, in the snow. Bitter cold. I tried starting early one time and it was still dark. Ouch. My whole body hurt it was so cold. And you only want to layer so much, 'cause once you start moving you warm up and have to start peeling off layers...I usually shoot for a clear sunny day when the temps are in the 30's.
Anyway, hope this helps!
z
--Previous Message--
: Helo
:
: I have done several day hikes up san
: gorgonio peak and back this Summer.
: I´m thinking about attempting it in
: the winter using the Vivian creek
: route.Maybee november or December. I
: have never done any real hiking in
: the winter with snow So I have a few
: question from the more experienced
: Hikers here.
: I´m curious if any of you have been
: up there in the winter and what
: eqipment you used, Crampons, snow
: shoes plastic mountaineering boots
: or just heavy waterproof hiking
: boots. Is a day trip still doable or
: if trekking through the snow eats up
: too much time and would require a
: night on the summit. Also What are
: the average winter time Lows up at
: the top.
:
: Any tips and suggestions would be
: greatly appreciated.
:
: Thanks
: David
:
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