Headed out to one of our favorite local hikes on this beautiful, crisp day. Made it to the trailhead at about 11 am. Parked in the lay by right after the fishing pond and right before the turn off to Big Pines campground.
Headed over the berm and straight up for about 50 feet, then hung a left to parallel the road. Snow was about 4" deep and the trail was not at all visible, but you could vaguely sense where it was. It's a slow slog up this part of the trail as it winds around and up with no switchbacking, but it was not difficult going in just snow boots. The snow is soft and traction wasn't too bad. Stopped for a picture at the second viewpoint, the one looking south down the canyon.
Commenced onward and found it a little difficult to navigate around rocks on this next section, but we finally found a less-rocky way and made good time in this fairly level part of the trail. This is my favorite part of the hike in the summer, as there are a lot of interesting rock formations and flowers and long views, plus it is flat-ish and therefore a nice break from the initial push and before the next slog straight up to the top.
Headed up and up, slow going, but got a treat when we spotted a small herd of Bighorn sheep on a crag in a place we have seen them before on prior visits. Tried to get a picture, but they were too distant.
We usually try and make it at least to the second "gate" for lunch, before heading up the last grueling 1/4 of a mile to the top, but the snow drifts were becoming a serious impediment, and when we started sinking up to our knees while headed up a steep section where we were having to feel our way around rocks, we decided to call it a day. So we set out the waterproof blanket on a flat area on an outcropping looking north, and broke out the peanut butter sandwiches and hot cider just as a light snow started falling. Admired the views of the canyon and distant hills, which were alternately splashed with sun and fleeting shadows. Spectacular views up here and we didn't feel too bad about not making it any further, especially as the peak was shrouded in fog.
It's fun heading down in these conditions! The snow is deep enough that you just sink and you can take long strides and it's pretty easy going, as long as you can avoid rocks. We saw a couple of people attempting the "straight up" route as we were gliding down the last big hill. We wondered how far they would make it, and sure enough, they had turned around pretty quickly and were already back at their car by the time we made it down. That route going up is hard at the best of times! The longer way is definitely the more pleasant, although we have returned the other way in the snow and that was great fun!
Arrived back at the car about 2:30. Nice leg-stretcher. About 4 miles RT.
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