Well, I finally made it to Mt Baldy. Been wanting to do this hike for a long time and now it's out of my system. Thanks to everyone who helped me get information regarding where to go and identifying mountain peaks that I got to see.
Got to the trail head about 8:15 and headed out about 8:30.
Started out on the Dungeness River Trail which is absolutely beautiful.
From the bridge you head up toward Royal Basin
After that, you hit the Lower Maynard Burn Trail
Pretty steep but lots of tree cover and it's not that long. Once out of that, you come out on an old logging road. At this time of year, it's like hiking through a flower bed.
Now the climbing started. I had no idea how straight up and how long this next stretch was going to be. I used Dr Leo Marvins advice to patient Bob Wiley ... Baby Steps. Pick a spot ... get to it ... drink .... rest .... repeat.
About halfway up I sat in an old bulldozer track area for a rest and noticed something in the trees. At this point I began to question what it was that I was really trying to accomplish.
(Note: These are iv fluid bags like you see in the hospital ... not what you want to see in the woods)
After a rest, I decided that I was ok and would continue up.
I finally reached the saddle between Mt Baldy and Tyler Peak
Once out of the saddle I saw there was still more climbing to do. At this point I almost decided to turn around. I wasn't sure I had the energy but decided to push through it and make the top.
Then finally ... the top ! Well, the false summit but it was a summit no less. What an incredible view. Barely any wind. temperature was perfect. Once I was rested, I was able to enjoy the views I had worked so hard for.
All in all it was one incredible hike. 4.5 hours up ... which included lots of little breaks along the way. 2.5 hours down ... which for some reason did not require as many breaks. 5 liters of water consumed ... and no pee breaks. Gee ... I wonder why !
great job! i was having problems breathing just reading your TR. my hiking buddy has invited me a couple of times....scared it will probably take me 6+ hours to get to the summit! next time.
btw: are you planning of heading to the lake of the angels soon? also, i'm a former bremertonian!
-------------- bobbi ૐ
"Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So…get on your way!"
I am planning on getting back up to LOA ... my hiking buddy has never been up there and I want him to see it. I went last year in October. Cold and cloudy up top. I want to go this year later in August. Not sure what condition the Putvin trail is in though after all the storms we had last year.
If I had to rank these 2 hikes next to each other, I think I'd put LOA above this one. LOA is a steep one but not quite as long. There's some scrambling involved with LOA (which I LOVE) and the view of that lake up there nestled in amongst those high peaks is spectacular.
Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 344 | TRs | Pics Location: Bainbridge Island
Mon Jul 14, 2008 12:02 pm
Way to go, crabio. That's a tough trail under any circumstances, but when it's hot out, that trail puts the hurt on, fast. Especially if you start from the lower Maynard Burn section off the Dungeness trail instead of from the spur road. I'm glad you got the payoff for your hard work in the form of perfectly clear skies and great views. You got some great photos, and thanks for sharing them with us. I still have to get up there this year; your report will spur me on.
Nice going crabio. That's a pretty tough hike. Got one of the worst sunburns of my life up there. When my buddy and I did it, we cheated and shaved a little distance off the the hike by taking the rough access road to the upper Maynard Burn trailhead.
-------------- Pain is just weakness leaving the body.
Joined: 24 Jul 2008 Posts: 274 | TRs | Pics Location: Manhattan, KS (There's no place like home.)
Tue Jul 29, 2008 3:01 pm
Funny--my wife and I did that hike many, many years ago, and it was exactly as you describe: steep and hot and dry. When we got to the summit, it was eerily windless. Maybe it's a fluke, or maybe that's how it always is.
Don't tell me you went all the way to the false summit and didn't do the true summit. Believe me, it takes less time than it looks when you're up there.
-------------- Anything stated by me in no way reflects the attitudes or opinions of my wife
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it will probably take me 6+ hours to get to the summit! next time.
That's a pretty tough hike. Got one of the worst sunburns of my life up there. When my buddy and I did it, we cheated and shaved a little distance off the the hike by taking the rough access road to the upper Maynard Burn trailhead.
