Hello from chilly Minnesota,
It looks like I will be coming out in mid February for a few days and I wanted to get a good route in while I am there. I know this might sound like a pipe dream but here is what I was dreaming about last night when thinking about this trip:
Class 3 up to sections of YDS 5.6 / wi2/3
Lower summit the better (coming from sea level)
Shorter approach the better (less than 3 miles? <hope>)
Would like to camp out one night
Limited avalanche danger
First Ascent (or just first winter ascent)
Just kidding about that last one
Examples: Mt. Conness - West ridge (sounds like winter road access is an issue)
If you were in San Francisco, were willing to drive about 8 hours, and had 3 days to climb something beautiful, what would you do?
I have done Liberty Ridge in winter conditions (April 4-9) and ice/rock climb in Minnesota. I always tell people we can take the skills we learn in Minnesota to the mountains, so time to put that into practice again.
Any suggestions are welcome. I'll keep pouring over pages on Summmitpost but I always prefer referrals. Plus, I figure you guys and gals know California well enough