2018.10.20 Mt. San Gorgonio solo
This weekend I took a quick solo trip around the South Fork Loop (Gaia link to map), leaving Friday and returning Saturday (10/20/18). Pack weight: 38 lbs leaving; 26 lbs on return.
Water: the creeks around the South Fork Meadows are flowing well, as per usual.
Snow/Ice: trails are completely clear up to ~10,000 ft. Above that there's intermittent snow and ice, particularly in shaded areas. The last half mile to the summit has quite a bit of snow and ice on the trail. I brought microspikes+poles, and enjoyed the security they provided in a few areas. Plenty of folks were going up with boots-only, and did ok.
Temperature: Summit Camp fell to ~20 degrees overnight (measured outside the tent), with sustained ~15 mph winds. Snow was crunchy in the morning; tent stakes froze into the ground.
Hunters: it is hunting season, and there were numerous groups visible, with periodic gunshots. I also saw one bow hunter hiking into the Meadows area. Per the Mill Creek Ranger Station's advice, I wore a high-vis vest and an orange shirt.
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