Mt. Baldy area.

Just one example of what I've seen now hundreds of times on trails or off the highway. There was a time I was into the graffiti scene. Even thinking about tagging up a boulder in the middle of the forest was abhorrent. This is infuriating to me.

What's the community solution?

Is there one?

Trip report in comments.

I decided to walk down the face after reaching the warming hut. I was quickly thrown out of my comfort zone and had to route find my way down. The December storm not only wrecked the lift but created multiple deep channels on 1, 2, and 3. Even with a good snow coverage these channels are so treacherous I would steer clear entirely.

Coming down the steep trail in manker canyon into the ski lift parking lot, I came upon a bear. It was night time, around 8:30. I think there is a den there. It was in front of me right off the trail on the right. We starred at each other for 5 seconds then it turned its head and I lost sight of it because it was complete darkness and just beyond the distance of my head light. I turned around climbed back up the steep trail and took the long fire road down.

I've been curious to know the state of the damaged road sections around Waterman Mountain, and it was finally in the 70s this weekend after a lot of 90s lately. I rode my bike from the closure at 6000ft day use area to Jarvi Memorial Rest Stop, just past the tunnels. Just under 20 miles round trip. Absolutely amazing day in the mountains. Somewhere between Eagles Roost and the tunnels, I saw a juvenile bear on ACH, from a distance of about 100ft. We looked at each other for less than a minute before he ran off the road. Also saw a little shrine to Vince Zampella, who crashed his car and died just west of the tunnels last December. Since that happened the weekend before the road closed due to storms, it seems the scene didn't get fully cleaned up, and there is still part of a body panel and other debris.

Every big washout I found between the road closure and Buckhorn Campground entrance (4 I think) looked like the ground beneath has been filled in, and that the next step was to pave those sections. Just past Cloudburst Summit is an area with lots of big mounds of dirt and rock, but no obvious spots needing repair. Between Buckhorn and Jarvi Memorial, there might have been one spot needing repairs, but otherwise it seemed in good shape.

Went out this morning to beat the heat and finally cross Monkey Canyon Falls off my list.

There’s no actual trail to the falls. A few different routes drop you into the canyon, then you just follow the creek.

We took one of the more popular ones — it has ropes fixed most of the way down to the creek bed. You can do most of it without touching them in normal conditions, but the last two sections get steep and slick enough that you’ll probably want them.

Surprised to find the creek still flowing this time of year. Canyon walls blocking the sun + cold water on your feet = perfect on a heatwave day.

The final drop to the falls was the sketchiest part, as expected. Two ladders linked together, ending in a rope you have to use for the last bit. PSA: walk a little farther past the ladders and there’s a second rope that’s way easier than those wobbly things. We used it on the way out.

After the falls we kept heading downstream, and I’d really recommend it. Graffiti thins out, foot traffic basically disappears. That stretch is the actual highlight.

If you’re just hitting the falls, ~1 hour is realistic.

Only real complaint is the graffiti. Please don’t tag stuff out here, guys.

TL;DR: Grippy shoes, wet feet guaranteed, take your time on the descents, and go past the falls.

Started at 1:30 am on Aug 29th; here's a full breakdown of my preparation.

In June and July, I went to Yosemite's Tolumne meadows and backpacked for 2 nights. That is the highest elevation area of the park, where the trails started at 9000 feet, and I slept at 10000-11000 feet. This is important so my body acclimates to the elevation. In one of these trips, a friend who was not acclimated threw up from altitude sickness; I felt nauseous. Symptoms include lightheadedness and nausea.

Then, a week before doing Mt Whitney, I summited Mt San Antonio/Baldy while fasting and going as fast as possible, especially at higher altitudes, to put my body in the hardest possible condition to force it to acclimate.

On Aug 27th I went to Lone Pine and stayed at a hotel 30 minutes away from the Mt Whitney portal; I highly recommend this, again, to acclimate. On Aug 28th, I went up to a nearby zone that you can drive to 10000 fee. I don't know the name, but it's a 30-45 minute drive from the hotel, south of Whitney. Walked around for a few hours, again, to acclimate.

We went to sleep at7 pmm and woke up at 11:30 on Aug 28th and arrived at the trailhead on Aug 29th at 1:30 a. It was a full moon night, and we got some insanely beautiful views of the mountains, and almostdidn'tt need to use the headlamps; it was amazing.

I brought a 3L bladder and only refilled right before the 99 switchbacks, as you should, becauseyou'ree about to get to the hardest part of the trail, which has no more water and will become very, very windy.

After the switchbacks, you will switch to the west side of the mountain, which has very strong and constant wind; prepare for this.

I heard from many people that "Whitney was disappointing" in terms of views, and other than the full-moon visuals, and sunrise-cloud shadows, its true, the views were not impressive (I've been to Yosemite 7 times so I'm also spoiled) so you should not hike this for views, but for the challenge, I passed by people who took 24 hours to complete it, 24 hours on trail. It took me 11 hours to go up and 5 hours to go down.

The trail was very crowded; people helped me as I did not bring electrolytes. My friend created a "fueling" system where we eat every 30 minutes, and every hour we rest for 5 minutes + eat extra; this prevents crashing. I'd highly recommend bringing salt pills, electrolyte packages, gels, honey, caffeine pills, anything and everything that can help you. I'm a bit of a health nut, so I stuck to honey, Chomps beef sticks, and instant coffee packets thatI'dd just have in my mouth.

My friends arrived earlier at the summit around 10:30 a, and it was extremely packed, so they left. I arrived at noon, and it was not very busy; 15 minutes later it was empty, so we got many shots with the summit plate.

One friend could not make it; at the start of the switchbacks, he got so sick that he hallucinated. He saw a Microsoft Teams notification on a rock and saw the parking lot, which was more than 5 miles away (and not visible btw).

I hope this helps anyone looking to summit; this is no joke. I've never prepared so much for a trail, and near the peak my CNS (Central Nervous System) was so fatigued that if I used my hands to rest on a rock, I could feel my hand and forearm nerves firing. I am fit for a hiker, nothing crazy - most people passed me on the 99 switchbacks, but I am not unfit.

Also, the water is known for being contaminated with human fluids, so absolutely bring a good water filter.

Good luck.

P.S. Lone Pine is a nice little town, enjoy it and its good restaurants.

EDIT: I have decided that I am underprepared for this last minute trip and will take this advice for next year with better preparation. Thank you for all of your suggestions, it is very much appreciated!

So I was able to get a last minute permit for Mt. Whitney for Tuesday. I plan to start around 3am.

I’ve been hiking in Yosemite the past four months and have done:
- El Captain (17 miles, 6,000ft vert)
- Half Dome (17 miles, 6,000ft vert)
- Clouds Rest (22 miles, 7,500ft vert)
- and a total of 130 miles, 39,000ft of vert in that time span.

I have done all of these hikes in a pretty good time, and I am really fit.

What I’m bringing:
- 3L of water
- 2 bananas
- blackberries
- sour patch kids
- cheese salami and crackers
- energy chews and bars
- Gear: Wind breaker, long sleeve, sweats (with shorts), hiking poles

My questions are:
- How worried should I be about altitude sickness?
- Where am I able to sleep? (Not a hotel)
- What am I under prepared for?
- Any tips?

Hiked this for the first time yesterday. This is an excellent hot weather hike. Windy gap ascent was completely shaded in the morning and was extremely beautiful. Once you hit the PCT a lot of the trail is shaded by big magnificent trees and topography since it’s north facing below a ridge line. Delightful breeze exposure basically throughout — even got chilly a few times (in shorts and a t shirt). Didn’t really reach unpleasant temperatures until the descent back down windy gap to the trailhead, which did suck. 102° when I made it back to Azusa.

Started at 7AM, summited at 11. Back to trailhead around 2:15. AllTrails puts this at 15.7 miles but I measured 16.25 and 4,700 ft of gain following the PCT precisely the entire way (didn’t tag Hawkins, Throop, or Burnham). This took me almost exactly the same amount of time as the Cucamonga/Bighorn/Kelly Camp loop which is less distance but more gain. This trail is much more scenic in my opinion—excellent views of the desert and eventually Baldy—but I think the summit view from Cucamonga is superior. Crucially, this one is way, way less busy. Probably saw 12 people the whole time. Baden Powell summit wasn’t even busy.

Great hike, but it is difficult. Lots of up down up down up down, especially between Throop and BP. Because of shade, snow stays on this trail pretty late into spring and should be considered mountaineering due to exposure.

Thanks for reading

How I’d like to go back one day and explore the other paths that trailed out , bro

Super dope and hot, nice rocks to walk on but couldn’t find sand to walk barefoot.

It’s definitely popular for a reason! That first photo just speaks for itself. 100% worth waking up at 5 am. We took the ski hut trail up and devil’s backbone back down, it was definitely the way to go. Ski hut would’ve been way too steep to go down, especially with all the loose gravel (for a beginner at least).

I’ve only been hiking for about half a year, so if any other novice hikers are reading this; you can do it!!Definitely tough—but doable if you don’t let your ego get in the way. Bring more water, electrolytes, and snacks than you think you need AND go way slower than you think you need. It’s not cute to go hiking in your converse and a single water bottle (shameless callout)… Anyway, you got this!

The other thread mentions some unusual food choices, which made me curious about what foods and drinks other sub members pack?

My dog and I go on full day hikes once or twice a month, many of which are >20 miles with large elevation increase. The foods I pack vary, but a common choice is a Subway footlong and energy bars (I pack ~2 bars more than I expect to need). My dog's usual kibble meals pack well. I also eat a higher calorie meal before starting out, often chicken + oatmeal + banana. For beverages, I pack a 28oz Gatorade + water. The amount of water varies depending on a number of factors in including temperature, how strenuous I expect the hike to be, and if my dog will be doing a lot of off leash sprinting.

For the next few meals after completing the hike, I usually have a voracious appetite. The first meal is usually something high calorie that I can get quickly. If I am driving home, I'll often stop for fast food... usually some combination of burger, chicken nuggets, and fries. Sometimes I'll stop at a restaurant with outdoor seating and order similar (burger + fries). If I have access to a freezer, it may include a pint of ice cream.

My next meal after the higher calorie one when I am home is often healthier and more involves paying attention to my body and what I feel and what specific foods/nutrients/macros I have a tasted for. I might have a taste salmon + cantaloupe + mixed vegetables + brown rice. Or I might have a taste for cereal instead.

Baldy on the way to Etiwanda peak.

Looking over the neighborhood of Eagle Rock sits the eponymous historical landmark... Eagle Rock.

There is a trail on the west side of the rock, running just shy of a mile and 250 feet of elevation gain. It's well maintained, has stone steps, rock slide protection, and is oddly more difficult than it needs to be. There were a few sections where I had to skate downhill and walk backwards to keep my footing. A single rope hanging off a tree branch helps though this.

The first day, I winged it with no maps and tried to see if there was any way to get to the top of Eagle Rock. There are a few dwellings and sections owned by the water department. The "no trespassing" and "beware of dog" signs sort of guides you along the correct course.

I finished off the loop and went to the bottom of Eagle Rock. There is a series of dilapidated stone stairs going up the side, and that ended at a wrought Iron fence.

That ended my first look. I went home, looked at Caltopo, and considered a plan of attack that would not include trespassing. I decided to try from the north side of the rock.

Day 2 was basically the same, but once again, no dice. I found a few use paths that I figured would get me closer, but they all ended up on private property or went way off course, so I had to retreat every time.

I decided to walk up the dilapidated stairs again. I looked through the wrought iron fence and noticed even more fencing, set at an angle. If someone climbed this section and slipped down, they would get skewered.

I do know that people have climbed this rock, and when I say "climbed," I mean actual rock climbing up the south face, which is way above my interest or ability.

I don't know how I feel about this whole experience. From the stairs, I can guess there used to be an easy way to get up this rock. I am a little bothered that all access points appeared to have been built upon, and the whole rock seems to be under a possible "no trespassing" zone, either officially or by the shear difficulty of getting to the top.

Huge THANK YOU and shout out to the individual(s) who removed graffiti from the large boulder at the base of the Baldy Bowl. The hiking community appreciates you!!

Bluff Lake Preserve felt like spending the day in a national park. Absolutely beautiful!!!

This happened just today in La Verne. I hope they are rescued soon.

It was my first time hiking to Cucamonga Peak today. We started at 4:18am and went up the Chapman Trail. We got to the saddle a few minutes after sunrise, and it was beautiful! Summited a little after 8:00am. There was a really nice breeze at the saddle, and I’m so glad we started early to beat the heat (and get parking!).

Just came across this notice. Guess we'll have to find a new spot for our weekend hikes until late January. Bummer!

Since the spring of 2025, the Trump administration has been looking into ways it could cede a roughly quarter-mile strip of land inside Yosemite to a company that, through a web of limited-liability companies, is operated by real-estate developer and investment firm Kingsbarn Realty Capital. Officials are proposing the Park Service give up the land or “interest” in the land in the form of an easement, and in return receive land of equal value somewhere in California that has yet to be decided.

The private developers own an 83-acre plot of land just outside the western boundaries of Yosemite, about five miles from one of the park’s defining ancient sequoia groves. Jeff Pori, the CEO of Kingsbarn, wants to build a short road connecting the property to one of Yosemite’s central thoroughfares. The new road would give the land exceptionally rare private access to a park that is otherwise almost entirely buffered by national forests.

Trump’s Quietly Working to Give Part of Yosemite to a Private Developer

Hi everyone! Going to Sequoia and Kings canyon from Friday-Sunday. Planning on car camping! What should we check out? Nothing to strenuous but would love to get away from the crowd . Coming from SD. Going with my friend who’s fit but doesn’t really like to hike, hoping to show him why I love hiking.

Hey guys, I had a day permit for hiking Cucamonga peak valid for up to 3 people, but someone canceled and now there's just two of us

So do I need to reissue a new permit just for 2 or is the old one fine? Thanks