CRYSTAL LAKE FOR A DAY

With no plans in mind  to get out and beat the heat, we decided to drive up to Crystal lake. 

First we stopped at the Crystal Lake cafe to have lunch. It was very cool with a light breeze. 

We parked by the Lake trail and headed down towards the lake. We found a nice shady spot under a tree.

The lake was full and so pretty. The last winter storm filled the lake.  The last time I was here a few years ago, the lake was very low so it was nice to see it looking full again.

There was not alot of people there so the serenty was nice. 

I was amazed at how the trees reflected off the lake and how the colors of the lake really shone.

We decided just to relax and admire the lake in all its beauty.

Afterwards, we drove to the Amphittheatre. Then we decided to check out Soldier creek trail. To our surprise it was overflowing with a good amount of water. The water was freezing cold but very refreshing. There were mini cascades and towards the end of the trail we found a waterfall. it was a beautiful shaded trail. Truly, another  hidden gem in the Crystal Lake area. 

Mendenhall peak

This was my first time hiking to Mendenhall peak. There's the long way and the short way.

My intention was to take the short cut up the ridge from Highline Saddle but I was with a group of people that preferred the long way. 

Since it was going to be a hot day, I thought it would be better because we could find shade rather than hike on an exposed ridge.

The road was long and hot. We basically had to walk all around Mendenhall peak. 

Along the way we did find a few shady spots to take breaks. When we reached the Mendenhall saddle we had nice views. 

Once we left the saddle, the trail was overgrown but easy to walk through. There were a few wash outs and one really gnarly one that required climbing over a rock or going through a huge yucca tree. We chose the other.

I found a use path just below the foundation where the old lookout stood. It was destroyed iby the Big Tujunga fire in 1975. Luckily no one died.

On the summit was some abandoned foundation, a water tank and remnants of an old shack.

I found a new register that someone recently made but no benchmark.

We descended the ridge that's leads to the Highline saddle. This shortcut does cut off some mileage. I also did not want to retrace my steps and take the long way back.

Overall a nice hike. I suggest an out n back up the ridge route. Not good on a hot day.

It was also today as I was taking a break on the peak that I learned of our friend from the forum Colin Walker was found deceased hiking in the San Gabriel mountains. A very sad day for all that knew him. 

RIP Colin

Stats: 9 miles, 2000+ gain.

MT BALDY & WEST BALDY VIA REGISTER RIDGE

The last time I hiked to Mt Baldy was probably in 2018. 

This time I started from Register Ridge. The trail was the same as I remembered. 

A few fallen trees and steep. 

It was a good day for hiking. I had cool breezes along the way and it wasn't too hot.

Once I reached the junction at the top where Harwood was I continued straight and decided to take a break under a tree. I could still see large patches of snow on the North side.

At the peak it was clear of snow. This past winter we had lots of rain and snow. 

I was the only one on the trail until I summited then I saw about 6 people after me..

I was hot and exhausted but I had enough energy to bag West Baldy. It was my second time on West Baldy but my 15th on Baldy.

Anyways, I decided to descend Ski Hut trail even though I don't like this trail. The factors that encouraged me to take this route was the shady trees and spring where I could refill and dip my head in the cold water. This was better than descending devils backbone an exposed trail. 

It's a longer hike but it was nice. I noticed a few new signs directing hikers on the right path. In recent years lots of hikers have gotten lost and died on/near the Baldy bowl.

I finally reached the spring near the Ski Hut refilled my water, poured cold water on my head and took a break under the shady trees.

Finally I arrived back on the road and back to my car. This was the day that I learned of a hiking friend Colin Walker missing after hiking alone near Monrovia peak 😢