Bare is usually done as an easy up-and-down the firebreak hike, so we scouted it
as a longer approach along a many-humped 6000' ridge which serpentines to Bare
from Alder Saddle to the south. A firebreak and useage trail climb northwest
from the Saddle to Peak 6178' at the south end of the ridge. This was scheduled
as a write-for-instructions hike, and only one member did; two guests gave us a
easily manageable party of four. Due to icy and muddy roads from Hillyer Trail
road on, due to heavy rains the week-end before, we took only the 4WD Dodge
Power Wagon to Alder. This negated a car shuttle back from Pinyon Flats for the
leader, who walked up the muddy Little Rock Creek road to fetch the Power Wagon
to retrieve the walking wounded back down at Pinyon Flats.
Lesson: Don't plan dirt road trips during the rainy season without enough 4WD
vehicles to carry everyone in and out.
