Have you always wanted to try snowshoeing? Or are you a seasoned snowshoe-er and want to get in a snowshoe trek before the season window closes in the Angeles National Forest?
Since we have only a few weeks left before all the snow in the San Gabriels is all melted away for spring, we will be embarking on a couple local treks into the Angeles over a couple weekends in March and April. Check with the events calendar on our FB page: Local Treks to see when we will be heading out to the snowy meadows with snowshoes.
Equipment?
Yep, you’ll need snowshoes!
You’ll also want to bring trekking poles with powder baskets.
Also, your boots should be tolerant for snow. Waterproof boots, or GTX hiking boots are suggested.
If you already have snowshoes, you’re already halfway there.
If you don’t have snowshoes, you can rent them from your local REI or Adventure 16 (in West LA)
At REI, member prices are $17 per day with $0 deposit. $9/additional days (the pick up and return days are free)
(Non Members $27/day +$100 deposit)
At Adventure 16 they rent for $10 per day + CC deposit (check with the store on additional day costs)
NOTE: I’ll be renting a pair or two from the Burbank REI store, if you’re not a member, and want to add a pair on my rental order, let me know ahead of time and just pay me back on the hike.
Where to Meet:
– We’ll be meeting at the Burbank REI store.
It’s the closest location to the forest highway we’ll be taking, plus, it makes for an easy drop-of of rental gear since most of the rentals will be from this store.
– Park somewhere in the middle section of the lot. They allow for all-day parking but not for overnight.
– From here we can arrange carpooling.
Travel and Carpool:
– A National Forest Adventure Pass is needed for parking at the Buckhorn Station, so carpooling with a pass holder is the way to go.
(They are also sold here at REI… convenient eh?)
– About 1.5 hours into the forest we will get to the snowy side of the Angeles.
Just past Mt. Waterman Ski area is the Buckhorn Station and Buckhorn campground.
– If parking is full at the Day Use area lot, we can opt to park at the Buckhorn campground “exit” lot, about .5 mile down the road.
– Below are google maps directions from the REI in Burbank to the Buckhorn Day Use parking area.
Hike Details
DIFFICULTY:
Moderate (depending on your comfort level in snowshoeing, this is sort of an unknown)
DISTANCE:
About 3-4 miles (depends on how much exploring the group feels comfortable with)
TIME:
~6 hours (plan for an all-day adventure)
ELEVATION GAIN:
around 200′-500’ (depending on how much we want to explore)
What to Bring
T1D items in red
Pack:
– Medium…10 liters to 13 liters will be fine. Enough space for water, food, and cold weather layers
Water:
– 1 to 2 liters should be fine (no more than 2 liters)
– A 32oz bottle of Gatorade (full sugar) can take care of most your water and glucose needs.
Camera:
– Any kind of camera will do (there will be some fantastic photo moments)
Footwear:
– GTX Hiking boots (RECOMMENDED))
– GTX Trail Runners (OK with warm socks)
– Waterproof Hiking Boots (GREAT)
Socks:
– Wool
– Smartwool
– Wigwam
– Doubled up sport socks
– (bring an extra pair of dry socks in your pack)
– (leave an extra pair in the car)
Exposure Protection:
– Hat (cap or wide brim hat)
– Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
– Chapstick or Carmex
– Buff / Bandanna (optional)
– Sunglasses (polarized suggested)
– Beanie
– Snow gloves
– Hand warmers (optional)
– Poncho (in case it rains)
– Small zip-loc bag for snowproofing T1 devices
Clothing:
– Base layers (optional, may get a little warm while trekking under the sun)
– Sports shirt (moisture wicking) … you might get sweaty
– Hiking pants (water repelling recommended)
– Mid-Layers (to shed / don depending in temp/conditions)
– Outer layer (needs to fit in pack when shed)
– Light shell for over mid-layer (wind)
– Gloves (thin XC gloves)
Trekking Poles:
– Highly Recommended (with powder baskets)
Headlamp:
– Plus Batteries
Trail Calories:
– Trail treats… Things that can fit in your pockets but won’t melt
– Lunch (Apple, Sandwich, Wrap)
– Trail Snacks (Trail mix, Chips, Cookies)
– Energy Gels
– Starburst
– Glucose Tabs
– M&M’s (this “may” be the only trek that they won’t melt)
Glucose Monitoring:
– Glucose meter + strips
– CGM
(Some trusted method to check blood glucose)
T1D Backcountry Backups:
– Backup Manual Tester + strips
– Backup insulin + syringe
– Backup device batteries
– Backup adhesive
Other Stuff:
LNT:
We will exercise Leave No Trace principles. Whatever we pack in, we will be packing out. Feel free to bring an extra ZipLoc bag for litter.
Dogs:
Dogs who wear leashes are welcome.
More info here:
Bear Aware:
Yes, we will be in Bear Country, so we need to be bear aware as we travel:
– Some early season bears may be waking up from hibernation.
– At the car (leave nothing interesting in plain sight through the windows)
– On the trail (make noise as you hike: talk, whistle, loud steps)
– If you encounter a bear, stop, establish eye contact, wait for the bear to negotiate the first move.
– No food scraps (check area after lunch, leave no scraps, leave no trash)
Just in Case:
At least 1 person in the party will carry:
– First Aid Kit
– Blister Treatment
– Phone
– Map
– Headlamps
– Emergency blanket
– Emergency glucose
For more info or questions: email:
info@typeoneoutdoors.com
