We started promptly at 7am, going at a fast clip until we slowed down before the Saddle. The rest of the way up was slower going, but the trail itself isn't particularly steep. We summitted by 12:45, and headed back down at 1:30. The last 4 miles were the worst. We kept tripping on all the loose rock on the trail, and I'm very glad I had my poles. We got back to the car at 6:30pm and I was enjoying my double-double with spicy peppers an hour later!
Starting out at South Fork
We were really booking it for the first several miles. It was hard going for me with 5 liters of water on my back!
Meadow with a neat picnic area.
Popping out of the trees to reveal the blue sky
First decent view of the summit. It didn't seem that far off...
Lots of shade on the way up, at least until we hit 10,000ft.
It was weird to keep going up after seeing the elevation posting. Guess I'm too used to Baldy!
Looking back down at Dry Lake
The summit (on the left) slowly getting closer...
The last half-mile before the summit
At the summit, looking south toward San Jacinto
Chipmunk begging for food
Kyle and the chipmunk share a quiet moment
Tired, but not as tired as I'd be by the end.
Cool placard found in an ammo box at the summit
Heading back down, the rocks in the trail got tiresome after a while.
Post-hike reward of a double-double with spicy peppers!
