High Sierra Topix

I have started my sierra training by doing some higher elevation hikes each Friday up in the baldy area. My plans are for stodard peak and maybe the west baldy peak. I am not a fast hiker and usually do about 1.5 MPH up hill and 2.5 downhill. Since so many of us are from so cal, it might be nice to get together for a hike or two.

I try to go up Ice House Friday mornings. I also am not a fast hiker. I just get there eventually.

Mnt Baden Powell from Wrightwood is a good hike up to about 9500 ft. Great reminder as to what elevation can do to you, as I usually forget...
http://modernhiker.com/2009/06/18/hikin ... en-powell/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Mt Williamson is a nice hike as well. I work on Fridays and hike at twice that speed, so it probably wouldn't be a good fit anyway.


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Thanks for the link Jim. Used to walk a lot faster, but over 8500 feet the altatude really slows me down. I believe WD wrote a post about some sort of slowed step a while ago. It has really made a difference for me at altatude. So now I train slow and steady.

Baldy from Manker Flats is a great one for training - either an early start on the weekend or go during the week to avoid the crowds. I'm slow (especially up high); so if you ever want company on a hike let me know.

I get out on big socal hikes quite often. Yesterday I went up the Marion Peak trail up Jacinto. That's a great hike, and great training taboot.

I take lots of photos and don't see the point in hurrying through the wilderness, so my pace pretty much matches yours. I'd be interested in a HST hike if I could make it. I have plenty of suggestions of hikes that I want to add to my website

Has anyone hiked Baldy from the village, or From the East fork over Iron mtn.?
I would like to do these routes, but hike solo and am a little apprehensive about these more distant trips solo.

hey schmalz, you were in my neck of the woods. I live in Hemet. Marion Mountain is a great training hike. Beware that it gets extremely crowded. Try the Deer Springs trailhead to the peak if you want to increase difficulty. I know all the trails up there pretty intimately so if you are looking for something new shoot me a PM.

I am going camping up there with a group of friends/family this weekend, and will hike the fuller ridge trail just to the north face overlook.

cahiker, I have been looking into that hike since it seems to be far less crowded than Manker Flats. The wife and I are planning on doing that one soon (as soon as the extreme heat dies down) although I was just planning on doing the 8 miles up to Lone peak instead of the 12 to west Baldy Peak. Check out schmalz Calitrails website. He has a great description of that hike.Phil