Winter Hiking In Southern California

I went on a week day so I didn't see anyone until I got to the Mt Baldy Ski Resort which had most of their runs open and even then I did not see anyone else until I was heading down and found some back country skiers. Getting to the top was challenging, Devils Backbone with that much snow is quite a climb, can even get technical in some areas and there were no great trails to follow. I peaked out around noon and spent a little time on the top of Mt Baldy, breath taking views and enjoying the amazing weather. Doing it solo was a neat experience, it is not for everyone, but gave me some time to myself, and a great personal adventure. Seeing some weather move in I started back down and started following some back country skier tracks and using my GPS. I made it back to my car around 3. I really enjoyed hiking in the snow, using my gear and seeing the amazing views so much so that I am looking at a couple of other trips. I hear San Jacinto has some great winter hiking so you may be seeing a followup post about another winter hike or two.

Like the cabins along the Lower and Upper Winter Creek Trails, the trail to Sturtevant Falls is dotted with historic rustic cabins that are privately owned recreational residences, on land leased through the Forest Service.

We enjoyed spending some time in downtown Idyllwild where there seemed to be an endless variety of shops and a steady stream of visitors. There were shops selling anything you can imagine and in some unusual combinations. California Street Collectibles, for example, sells Christmas ornaments, dolls, Harley merchandise, Nascar merchandise and financial planning.

So nice to see someone from California embracing the cold and the snow! I enjoyed watching your video and your photos show an amazing looking mountain to summit. New equipment is always fun and you gotta love those micro-spikes! Mine are red, I like your gray ones better. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!