May 11, 2012 Throop Peak with Chuck

On top of Throop with Baldy behind.

Marker on top of Throop, which is 

named after founder of CalTech

Early morning clouds still over L.A. basin.

Seeing how I had upcoming hikes that needed my at least trying to get into some sort of shape for, I called Chuck to see if he was interested in going for a short day hike. After getting his interest up, we decided on doing Throop, seeing how it was a short easy hike that neither of us had been on in a while. After stopping just off the freeway for a quick bite for breakfast, we were at the trail head somewhere around 9 AM , give or take. We took our time going up what is one of the best hikes in the local mountains. There was still some snow higher up closer to the top, and I thought we wouldn't have to cross any the way it looked, but as usual, I was wrong. Once we got to where the trail cuts across the face of the peak instead of being on the ridge, we tried crossing out first section of snow. I remember Chuck saying " This is going to make for a long day " as we began sinking up past the knees in snow, which changed our route real fast. Up until that point, we had been staying on the trail, but looking up towards where it was going, we saw nothing but snow, which was to say we saw nothing but post holing for quite a ways. That gave us the reason to head straight up the hill for the top instead. A little more work but worth the effort. We soon hit the ridge trail again, and were soon after on top. Great view as always, with all the San Gabriels stretched out for viewing. After spending a couple hours on top, we headed back down to Wrightwood for a beer and something to eat. Another great day in the mountains.