Middle Hawkins

16 February 1964

By: Bob Gregg

Middle Mt. Hawkins

Myself and Stan Hinman drove up the Angeles Crest Highway on Sun., Feb. 16th, putting on chains at the 5,000' level due to a 6" snow the previous night. We drove to the 7,250' level below Little Jimmy Springs and parked. We used crampons and ice axes which we found to be necessities. Started hiking at 1 p.m. We ascended the steep but short canyon to Windy Gap, 7588', then following we could see of the trail east along the crest finding snow depths from wind-blown ground to thigh deep powder and drifts to 6'. Just west of Mt. Hawkins is ridge running so. 1/4 mi. to Middle Mt. Hawkins. Reached the summit at 4 p.m. in occasional snow flurries, 40 mph no. winds, and at temp. of 25°. Was extremely tiring hike due to wind, cold, and deep snow. This was my 42nd peak and Hinman's 22nd. To our amazement we found a member of the Rocketdyne Mountaineering Club had been there the day before. We descended rapidly to the car after spending only 10 min. on top, in 1 1/2 hrs. Total hiking 3 6/10 mi.