Very nice TR. One very minor correction, Gorgonio is actually the 7th most prominent peak in CONUS. Baker is actully 5th and San Jacinto is probably 6th. Although San Gorgonio is close enough that it could conceivably sneak past San Jacinto for 6th but more likely it is 7th. Nonetheless, it is very prominent.
As you stated, "base" is ill-defined. Some people just give the total ascent required from a set starting point, or above a nearby valley, and always give the qualification.
There are California 14ers with summits that are 10k above the Owens Valley, but the same mountains have prominence of just 180-300'.
If you consider Lone Pine in Socal, then Whitney would indeed be the highest. If you consider Socal to be the greater LA area and everything south, then Gorgonio is the highest...
Boy, this trip report brings back some fond memories. Thanks for posting! I've spent at least two winter trips on Gorgonio, one was a successful summit and the other ended when we dug out of our tents the next morning after a fresh snowfall. Great trip report.
I was in LA for work in Oct and couldn't find a good dayhike in the time I had available. I'll definitely take an extra day or two and hit this one next time. Nice report
HokieJim - Dec 20, 2007 1:12 am - Voted 10/10
Nice work Kevin!I was going to give you a hard time for not taking your skis, but it looks a bit thin yet. Great pictures of the rime ice!
Augie Medina - Dec 20, 2007 2:02 pm - Voted 10/10
Nice ReportHappy Holidays too.
Luciano136 - Dec 21, 2007 1:27 am - Voted 10/10
Great report!!Glad you made it up there!! Good to see you again and maybe we'll meet up first weekend of January!
ericnoel - Dec 21, 2007 11:42 pm - Hasn't voted
Prom RankVery nice TR. One very minor correction, Gorgonio is actually the 7th most prominent peak in CONUS. Baker is actully 5th and San Jacinto is probably 6th. Although San Gorgonio is close enough that it could conceivably sneak past San Jacinto for 6th but more likely it is 7th. Nonetheless, it is very prominent.
jtree - Dec 22, 2007 1:23 am - Hasn't voted
Great Job!I'm thinking of doing the same this winter if I can catch some good conditions. Happy Holidays.
MoapaPk - Dec 22, 2007 5:36 pm - Voted 10/10
Re: ProminenceAs you stated, "base" is ill-defined. Some people just give the total ascent required from a set starting point, or above a nearby valley, and always give the qualification.
There are California 14ers with summits that are 10k above the Owens Valley, but the same mountains have prominence of just 180-300'.
Luciano136 - Dec 22, 2007 11:23 pm - Voted 10/10
Re: ProminenceIf you consider Lone Pine in Socal, then Whitney would indeed be the highest. If you consider Socal to be the greater LA area and everything south, then Gorgonio is the highest...
dbraunstein - Dec 22, 2007 8:20 pm - Hasn't voted
Well doneNicely done. Been up SG many times, though never in the winter.
bajaandy - Dec 22, 2007 8:50 pm - Voted 10/10
Good times!Boy, this trip report brings back some fond memories. Thanks for posting! I've spent at least two winter trips on Gorgonio, one was a successful summit and the other ended when we dug out of our tents the next morning after a fresh snowfall. Great trip report.
MCGusto - Dec 23, 2007 2:48 pm - Hasn't voted
Nice Trip Report!Gorgonio in winter is something special. Congrats on the summit! Nice pics too!
shknbke - Dec 23, 2007 4:10 pm - Hasn't voted
prominence correctionThanks for catching the prominence error, Eric. I have fixed the TR. Prominence is measured from the highest connecting saddle.
cftbq - Dec 27, 2007 3:39 pm - Hasn't voted
Cool climbSorry I didn't see this until after Christmas. Good use of an opportunity! And very cool coming just under the wire on the snowstorm.
Alaska Mt Man - Dec 27, 2007 10:33 pm - Voted 10/10
Nice findI was in LA for work in Oct and couldn't find a good dayhike in the time I had available. I'll definitely take an extra day or two and hit this one next time. Nice report
Norris - Jan 2, 2008 11:33 pm - Hasn't voted
Outstanding time for the conditionsMost folks take longer even on a dry trail...good job!