RAZORBACKS

The group I hike with has been exploring a section of the Los Padres mountains for some time now. I will  not disclose this location because it is one of those less traveled aras that should remain that way. Each time we have hiked in this area we have been the only group trekking through this beautiful area. The only tracks we have seen were bear, deer, birds and possible raccoon. 

Anyways, this area which we call the "razorbaaacks" is so large with so many neat slots canyons that each time we return we explore a new section. We still have alot more to check out. The last time we were there, we discovered some amazing colorful rock formmations. 

The colorful formations could be seen from above the bowl from a very steep ridge that we have ascended many times in the past. So, this time we had a goal and searched different routes until we found the bottom of the multi-color razorbacks consisting of orange, grey and white rocks. 

Some of the canyons were so narrow that we left our backpacks at the base of them and would walk through as far as we could until we could go no further. 

On this such occasion, we came across a huge boulder. if we had rope probably everyone could have made it over this huge obstacle. We could see from a distance that we finally found the area below the orange razorbacks. 

My friends decided to give me a boost up the huge boulder so that I could further explore, take pictures and report back what was beyond the huge rock. 

I was in awe! The slot continued for what it seemed like miles. There were so many interesting slots branching off from the main one I had climbed. I was surrounded by the gorgeous razorbacks that we had viewed from above the bowl. I was fortunate enough to actually be the only one who was right in the center of the bowl and admire its beauty. It was AMAZING!!!!

I wished my friends could have accompanied me.

After trekking through some of the canyons and admiring the magnificient array of colors, I took lots of pictures and returned to the big boulder where they were waiting for me. They had to assist me climbing back down this huge rock. 

They were so impressed with my photos that they regretted not trying to climb up. So, we will be returning back to this particular canyon so that the rest of my hiking buddies can experience what I did. 

I will say that the canyons arent easy to get to. It's a long walk through a rocky wash and there are so many turnoffs that one could get lost. I have been tracking them so that we know where've we been. Some of the slot canyons are long and narrow with rocks that can impede the walkwways. Sometimes you just come to a direct halt and can go no further. To add, some areas are more delicate than others. Some of the rocks just crumble to the touch. 

I love this area. It is not only amazing but so colorful and breath taking. Whatsmore, some of the rock formations resemble hoodoos like the ones in Bryce Canyon, Utah.

This is what the Razorback bowl looks like from the ridge above.                                       

      

This is inside and below the bowl.

    

another section we found to explore.

    

      

WRIGHT MOUNTAIN FROM GOBBLERS KNOB

 On Sunday, I joined Sean and some of the San Gabriel forum members (Eispiraten.com) for the 14th anniversay hike. The goal was to hike to Wright Mountain and eat grilled cheese sandwiches on the summit. Prior to the event, some of the members decided to camp out Saturday evening at Gobblers Knob. This required a drive on a very rough dirt road 3N31, off of Lone Pine Canyon. A high clearance vehicle is highly recommended.

On Sunday morning, Jeff and I carpooled and met the others at the camp site around 8am. 

We hiked on the PCT up to Lytle Creek Ridge to the summit. 

We were above the clouds from sunrise to sunset and we had 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. As we ascended the ridge we could see Telegraph, Thunder, Harwood, Dawson and Pine. 

Descending the trail we had gorgeous views of the high desert with Gorgonio and San Jacinto peaks in the background. At one point we could see as far as the Panamints, the Eastern Sierras and Telescope Peak.

I highly recommend this route if you have necessary means of transportation. 

Once we reached the summit, Jeff made us grilled cheese sandwiches to enjoy on the mountain. We spent about an hour just admiring the views, having great conversation and a few laughs. The weather was perfect at the top with a littlle breeze to keep us cool. 

Stats: 10 miles, 2000' gain

Madison, Dima, Sondra, David, Jeff, Sean and Elwood

a tree lover

CLOUDS REST

Last weekend I spent three days in the Eastern Sierras. I was supposed to summit Mt. Whitney but my permiit was cancelled due to the recent fires. So, I decided to hike Clouds Rest which has been on my to do list for some time. 

 I had spent Friday night in Lee Vinning at the Yosemite Gateway Motel. It was pretty decent and had views of Mono Lake. Across the street was a place to eat BBQ, a market and a sporting goods store all conveniently located near the motel. 

Saturday morning I wolke up at 4:30am and met some hiking buddies at the Tenaya Lake trailhead alka Sunriise Lakes Trail. 

We started hiking at 7am and the skies were clear of smoke that morning. This was quite a relief after spending the previous night in an area surrounded by ugly skies and smokey air.

I really admired the entire trail. I was surrounded by beautiful trees and rock formations. The hike started out flat for the first couple of miles. The toughest part of the hike is the 1000 ft gain of switchbacks if you are out of shape. After the switchbacks, the route consisted of a series of ups and downs, lots of rock stairs and a couple of flat areas to take a break. Along the trail was a beautiful lake. I finally reached the saddle where a sign was posted that indidcated 2.5 miles to the summit. 

I felt like it was more than that but probably because the path continued to steeply climb and in the distance I could see the summit which looked so far away. 

Once I reached the ominous sign leading to the top, I felt excited as I looked up at the final push to the summit. It made me so happy to see all those cool rocks that I would be climbing on. This was definitely my kind of hike.

With every step I took, I could feel the adrenaline rush. I was not scared. I admired the steep drop offs on each side of the spine and coudl not wait to get to the top. 

Filled with happiness, I soaked in the 360-degree views. Half Dome, Cathedral Rocks and El Capitan could be seen in the distance. Even though it was a bit cloudy the views were breathtaking. 

I found two benchmarks, but no register. 

I stayed there for an hour, ate my lunch and took the obligatory summit pics. I met hikers from all over the United States and had some pretty nice conversations as we all took turns taking photos for one another. 

I can't wait to go back. I would highly recommend this hike. 

Stats: 15 miles

gain: ~1800 (believe it or not it may feel like you did more than that)