Split mountain trip report:
Summitted on Saturday, August 27th 2022
1. Thursday night - acclimatize in Mammoth Lakes. I have learned that I'm sensitive to altitude and find myself performing stronger when I'm more adjusted.
2. Friday afternoon - Straightforward class 2 walk from the TH to Red Lake. There is a little lake before Red Lake. We camped a bit higher and not next to the lake around others. 3 hours 20 minutes/4 miles/4k+. TIP: It's a good idea to pick up a paper direction from the wilderness center ahead of time to Red Lake TH. A high clearance vehicle is essential.
3. Saturday morning at 7am - boulder hopping, some leveled snow crossing, and then some scree/rock easy class 3- climbing near the saddle. We didn't need to use a map much. The route was pretty straightforward. Stay on the right side once you see the saddle and go where there is less scree. We returned back to camp at 6pm. Descended the same way. TIP: Wear trail gaiters! 5.3miles/3800ft gain. There were quite a number of SAR members and we also looked for any signs and clues. One of the SAR volunteers even stopped at our camp at night with a box of pizza.
4. Sunday morning 8am - 4miles and 4k back down in 3 hours.
My number 9 California 14er.
I found this backpacking trip to be pretty cold in particular once we arrived to the lake. Emotionally this trip was a bit hard for me knowing that there is a missing hiker out there.
I would rate the "fun factor" for this Mountain to be on the medium low side. I enjoy classes 3-4 more so than class 2 climbs 😏
Have you climbed Split mountain? What did you think of it?
The weekend we climbed Split Mountain, search and rescue teams were looking for a missing hiker that separated from his group near the summit.
I want to make a short recap on how to stay safe when climbing -
Here are a few bullet points of what I've learned from my own experience. Disclaimer -this is based from my own experience and not all inclusive.
Summit is optional, safety during the whole trip including returning is mandatory.
When you leave the trailhead/camp in the morning, do not leave thirsty. Drink all the water you can before heading up.
Carry at least 3L of water if you won't have water sources along the way, or if you're not sure. More water on a hot day.
Do not rely on your hiking partner for directions/map. Everyone in the team should have an offline copy and be self-sufficient.
Carry a hat (it weighs nothing) and an extra layer if you're going to elevation - it can be cold/windy/exposed.
Carry enough food source for the day. Electrolytes too!
Take a headlamp! In case your day runs long. Take an emergency blanket, in case you need it.
Check weather and monitor clouds/wind movement.
If at one point you and your group have to be separated for just the summit: make a plan A and a backup plan B in case A fails. Ask your team/partner to repeat the plan to ensure the same understanding.
Be aware of your surroundings, and your teammate as well as your own physical fatigue.
What are some other safety checklist /awareness items you follow when you're in the wilderness?
