Mount Baldy (South Peak) via Baldy Pass II – June 17, 2007        

Mountain height:           2200 m
Elevation gain:               900 m
Total ascent time:          3:45
Descent time:                1:50

Scrambling with Mark.

We’re not about to make a habit of scrambling in a constant rain, but it can’t hurt to go out in less-than-perfect conditions once in a while. Rather than sit at home, we decided to get some exercise knowing full well that this trip would be under rainy skies. This was our second time using this route, the previous trip taking place in June of 2002.

We were immediately struck by how much snow was on the trail – all of it from the previous night. At Baldy Pass the views were limited, but at least we could see the terrain in front of us. The ascent to the summit was more challenging than expected, thanks to a solid foot of fresh snow. As well, low clouds soon came in, putting us in a whiteout. We actually had to take out the rope for a few sections because it was difficult to see where the ridge was. Obviously there was no summit view whatsoever.

For descent, we took a direct route down to Baldy Pass Trail and then out. We arrived at car probably a good ten pounds heavier than when we left it, due to being soaked by the heavy precipitation throughout the trip.      

The lower section of the south ridge

The clearest view of the day

Looking west

Lots of snow for late June

Into the whiteout

At the summit

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