Category: PCT

2 Peaks in a Day: Mount Lewis and Mount Williamson

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I knew this trip to SR-2, may very well be my last this season, and the road past Mt Baden Powell, may very well be closed again. I was headed for Mt Williamson, and potentially was going to extend the hike along Pleasant View Ridge on to Pallet Mountain. That would make it a 10 mile day. But another option lingered in my mind, to check out some of the shorter hikes along SR-2 I had skipped over, such as Mount Lewis. It was my second time driving past Wrightwood, along SR-2 since the fires a year ago. I had been up this way in July, to hike to Mount Baden Powell. At that time, the road was still closed beyond Vincent Gap, but no longer. I could now drive the entire length of SR-2 if I so desired, well past Mount Islip, and onward further.

Mount Baden Powell – Summit #3

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 This was my third visit to Mount Baden Powell. It is the first high peak I ever climbed. I still remember reaching the top, feeling triumphant, doing something I was not sure I could do, but I put one foot in front of the other, making it there, signifying a change in the trajectory of my life. I could overcome challenges and do things that are not easy, such as climb a mountain, if I put my mind to it. 

Red Tahquitz Peak

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Here I was, back in Idyllwild again, years later. I picked up my permit at the ranger station kiosk which is open 24 hours. The permits can be limited to places such as Tahquitz Peak during peak times of the year. So you must always pick one up, before you head out. I then drove toward Humber Park, and reached the parking area around 7:45 am.  Once I arrived at the parking area, right away I spotted beautiful Lily Rock towering up above. Today I was hiking with a friend, who had yet to hike to Red Tahquitz Peak, so this would be a first for both of us. The area of Tahquitz Peak and Lily Rock is a popular rock climbing area as well, and I noticed several climbers heading out from the trailhead as well.

Pacifico Mountain via the PCT

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Today I would be hiking another short section of the PCT, bound for Pacifico Mountain, elevation 7104 ft. It was my first time hiking from the trailhead at Mill Creek Summit, to the peak. I knew there were several other peaks, a short distance from Pacifico, such as Granite Mountain, and Roundtop. Hiking to Pacifico Mountain is no easy feat, since it has over 2300 feet of gain. There is a PCT hiker friendly campground right at the peak.

Celebrating Freedom – July 5th – Mt Baden Powell

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I climbed Mount Baden Powell (9407 feet) once before. It was May 13th, 2021. I was somewhat new to long hikes, and it was the first high peak I had ever attempted. Much has happened since then, and I have added extensively to my peakbagging resume. The big news of the day was the Big… Continue reading Celebrating Freedom – July 5th – Mt Baden Powell