Tahquitz Peak, First snows

[Eric Holden]

Tahquitz Peak

Took a hike up Tahquitz Peak this Saturday. It was either this or a trip down Little Santa Anita canyon, but threat of rain said, TO THE MOUNTAINS! We had just gotten some rain yesterday so I figured there may be snow. Little did I know, Ice Ice and more Ice.

The start, Lily rock, or more well known as "Tahquitz Rock" Birth place of the YDS.


Starting up cold, 28 on the car thermometer but no snow. As I got higher I started seeing some snow on the ground.


I had never gotten a chance to see Rime Ice before. Beautiful stuff. It occurs when the temp drops below freezing with fog.


Going higher I started to warm up and sweat, I took off the hat and in about 15 minutes realized that all the hair on my head was frozen from the sweat +about 20degF. Notice some ice in beard later on.


More rime ice. So beautiful.


Heading up higher about 8000ft now.


That's not snow, just more rime ice.


The last 1/2 mile to the peak gets a little dicey. The trail was frozen over, but not enough to warrant slapping on the crampons, way to many rocks. Here it is leading up.


About 3 hours later, made the peak and the fire lookout tower on top. Temp was 15degF and wind was about 30mph. Needless to say, after cowering behind the tower and munching on some goo and food, I headed back down to warmer climates.


And of course, more rime ice. This was so beautiful and cool. Sticks out about 4" off that 2x4.


Hike back down much quicker, made the 9.3 mile trip in about 5 hours and 15 minutes. Great beautiful hike. Hello winter!

[Felicia]

COLD! Looks like fun. :-)

I was up there on 10/13/2012 and there was a light dusting of snow. That was enough snow for me.

Felicia

[accadacca]

Brrrr...cool report! Thanks for sharing. :popcorn.

[Brian in SLC]

Wow...great shots of the rime ice!

Kinda shuts the dry, sunny rock climbing season down for a spell...oh well. Joshua Tree!