Stead Canyon

A STAPLE AND STITCHES KIND OF A HIKE
BACKGROUND:
I searched high and low for information about this particular hike, but found nothing. This was an exploratory hike for everyone. We were SIX VIRGINS ON AN OFF-​TRAIL, at least to the point of Bear Canyon Trail.
STATS:
8.6 miles
5000ft elevation
Route consisted of rock, pine cones, tree logs, and some dirt
A good amount of rock climbing
ESSENTIALS:
Hiking shoes with good lug soles
Water
Layered clothing
Hiking Poles
Snacks
Camera
Sun screen
Hat (optional)
Helmet
Gloves
First aid kit
OUR ROUTE:
This hike is definitely not for beginners, or anyone who get woozy by the sight of blood or suffers from altitude sickness. This as my first hike where someone was injured to the point of needing a staple in the head and stitches in the leg. More details on that later.
Our route started at the large turnout about a half-​mile beyond Icehouse Canyon. After walking down the dry San Antonio creek bed, we got to the mouth of Stead Canyon. Old flags, occasionally marked the path, but it was a pretty simple subject of sticking to the boulder-​lined wash.
A class 3 dry waterfall called our rock climbing names, responding to the call a couple of us scaled up the wall, while others took an easier route. Once to the crest of the wall we weren’t certain which direction to go, it was really confusing. We could go upwards through one of the gullies that didn’t look too bad, but the question was which one. Unfortunately the GPS wasn’t cooperating. After some deliberation, we resolved to remain in the canyon proper.
We ended up in one of the small gullies that comes in about 6800′. This is where a SisTa from another mother and father took a nasty spill. Crossing an unexpected slippery log her feet shot up into the sky and back, she felt, about three feet down where her head landed on a rock, resulting in slow oozing blood from the top of her head. She likewise received a nasty cut on her leg. After applying pressure to both areas, giving her the eye test, she was ready to continue. At this point we all put our helmets on. At a little over 8000ft we hung a left and headed to Mt. Baldy via Bear Canyon Trail.
It was SisTa’s first time summiting Mt. Baldy and she wasn’t going to let the head and leg injury stop her from getting to the top and having her picture taken with the placard. After hanging out, chatting with some Crew members who were hanging out, taking it all in through the eyes and lens, we headed down the Devils Backbone to The Notch. Yes, the same route was taken here that I took on National Trails Day 2013… review posted a week or so ago.
Although SisTa took a nasty spill that resulted in a staple in her head and two stitches in her leg, we all enjoyed this hike for it was a day of being with wonderful, caring, and supportive who love the outdoors and rock climbing.
DISCLAIMER:
Hiking is not something that can be taken lightly. It can be life-​threatening as you see and hear on the news, people die or get lost all time. Please, if you are going to hike, never go alone and prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Remember when going for a hike, no matter how short you think it may be, always be prepared. Carry at least two liters of water for every five miles (more if the weather is warm), protein bar, nuts, and electrolytes. Wear sturdy lug sole shoes and protective clothing. Some areas the weather can change quicker than a fireman can put on his gear. It is also very important, always always always let a family member or friend know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Lastly, have fun when you hike it up. #HIKING #NOTBEGINNER #INTERMEDIATE #ADVANCED #ROCKCLIMBING