Best Hikes / Climbs in California !!!

by **myles** » Wed Mar 06, 2013 3:32 pm

N. Buttress of Merriam. Unfortunately some of the pitches would be out o' my league to lead at this point. Been to this area twice, and on one trip, didn't see anyone once we got off Pine Creek Pass trail--middle of summer, too.

by **brichardsson** » Wed Mar 06, 2013 5:04 pm

VikingMan wrote:Do you have any experience w/ San Jacinto? My girlfriend has done Cactus to Clouds, which we are planning on doing when the snow dies down as a trainer for some 14ers this summer, but have limited experience on the other routes... you have any suggestions?

i'm heading back out there this summer, but i will be on the deer springs trail. i tend to like longer and quieter hikes (i've honestly never done the vivian creek trial; my favorite is the sb peak divide).

by **fatdad** » Wed Mar 06, 2013 5:32 pm

seano wrote:
seano wrote:you guys ever climb the Kearsarge pinnacles or Dragon Peak?

Dragon is a cool climb. I've heard Kearsarge Pinnacles are un-fun. FWIW, Dragon Lakes aren't really on the way to Dragon Peak.

I had a fun day summiting some of the various pinnacles. I found it a good time. With a rope you could accomplish alot more.

I have yet to get out to Merriam. I had a long weekend planned to do the N. Butt. and Feather Peak couloir but had a buddy bail at the last minute...after I had already driven up to Bishop to pick up the permit. One of these days...

by **Vitaliy M.** » Wed Mar 06, 2013 5:55 pm

The Chief, in your 2nd photo (of a spire you put a route on), there is another good looking spire to the right. What is it called?

by **VikingMan** » Wed Mar 06, 2013 8:02 pm

brichardsson wrote:
VikingMan wrote:Do you have any experience w/ San Jacinto? My girlfriend has done Cactus to Clouds, which we are planning on doing when the snow dies down as a trainer for some 14ers this summer, but have limited experience on the other routes... you have any suggestions?

i'm heading back out there this summer, but i will be on the deer springs trail. i tend to like longer and quieter hikes (i've honestly never done the vivian creek trial; my favorite is the sb peak divide).

Thanks for the suggestion brichardsson... the deer springs trail looks awesome. I really like the fact that it's a much less-used route than others... we will definitely try it out before cactus to clouds

Do you recall the mileage for this route?

by **brichardsson** » Wed Mar 06, 2013 8:30 pm

VikingMan wrote:Thanks for the suggestion brichardsson... the deer springs trail looks awesome. I really like the fact that it's a much less-used route than others... we will definitely try it out before cactus to clouds Do you recall the mileage for this route?

18 miles or so round trip, iirc. but most folks make a two or three day trip out of it (if coming in from idyllwild) and tack on additional peaks. for example, hike in and camp, peak bag the next day, camp, and hike out. there are several interesting and easily accessible peaks, six of which are over 10,000', in the area.

by **2600fromatari** » Thu Mar 07, 2013 2:31 am

Yes, South Lake is very pretty and accessible. Something for everyone. I have an old crappy camera, and don't have the patience to bother with the settings like all the photographers here. Beautiful pictures posted. Thought I'd contribute something for South Lake nonetheless.

3Deserts wrote:I might have missed it above, but another thought is South Lake TH to Bishop Pass. Easy, relaxed hike, beautiful scenery virtually from the start, and depending on the time of year and seasonal precip, the floral show can be exceptional there. Continue in to Dusy Basin if you like; Bishop Pass is quick and easy. The late afternoon sun on the south side of the Palisades can be really breathtaking. The views in the other direction down towards LeConte Canyon are beautiful as well. A gorgeous place to camp if you want to hike in is just below Thunderbolt Pass, on the east side. And if you want a mellow summit with killer views, Agassiz is a secure, 2nd class hike right there above Bishop Pass.

VikingMan, your photos of the Ritter/Minarets area are sublime. Beautiful, beautiful light and shadow.

by **2600fromatari** » Thu Mar 07, 2013 2:46 am

The view of Finger Lake, Middle Palisade, and Norman Clyde is sublime.

seano wrote:For photos without too much walking, you can do worse than the south fork of Big Pine Creek (Norman Clyde, Middle Pal). In SoCal, San Gorgonio and Baldy can have some amazing rime formations at the right times.

Best Hikes / Climbs in California !!!

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