Once on the summit of Pitcher, we can evaluate our progress and decide what to do. We can either continue on with the traverse to Old Baldy, or decide to turn back. If we descend the way we go up, it should be a relatively easy day with sunlight to spare. If we go the distance and do the traverse, Sunday will be a very long day. I estimate that the entire trip will be in the order of 10 – 12 miles in length, with an elevation gain/loss of 4,000 to 5,000 vertical feet. Most (8 – 10 mi... More

Once on the summit of Pitcher, we can evaluate our progress and decide what to do. We can either continue on with the traverse to Old Baldy, or decide to turn back. If we descend the way we go up, it should be a relatively easy day with sunlight to spare. If we go the distance and do the traverse, Sunday will be a very long day. I estimate that the entire trip will be in the order of 10 – 12 miles in length, with an elevation gain/loss of 4,000 to 5,000 vertical feet. Most (8 – 10 miles) of our trip would be off trail. As an estimate, I expect the traverse route to take in the order of 8 to 14 hours. In either event, come prepared for a bit of bushwhacking, a lot of rock scrambling, and possibly some snow scrambling. If anyone has been in the area recently, please share what you know about the rock and current snow conditions. Bring plenty of water and double check your headlamp.

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