Trip Report
Incredible Hulk - a quick visit to say hi, March 2013
Saturday March 30, 2013 2:21am
Last Sunday we thought we'd go check out the Hulk in spring. The feeling of solitude there is quite different from summer I must say - it starts off with the completely deserted Twin Lakes area (the campground is closed still) and we didn't see anyone all day in the area. Here are a few shots from the day... wanted to ski the left and/or right couloirs too but a 10am start, slow going initially, less than inspiring conditions and lame excuses meant we just took it easy and enjoyed the afternoon in the hot springs instead.

Should have brought the rope and gear... could have climbed a few pitches with the sun providing plenty of warmth! Next time maybe.

The lack of snow in the Sierra this spring is quite shocking. How many dry winters in a row can we have?

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Twin Lakes near Bridgeport, CA
Twin Lakes near Bridgeport, CA
Credit: pvalchev
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Where is the snow???!
Where is the snow???!
Credit: pvalchev
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I'm sure everyone recognizes these rocks...
I'm sure everyone recognizes these rocks...
Credit: pvalchev
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The log crossing
The log crossing
Credit: pvalchev
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This part of the approach is A LOT easier than in summer...
This part of the approach is A LOT easier than in summer...
Credit: pvalchev
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Steep skinning - beats walking!
Steep skinning - beats walking!
Credit: pvalchev
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What a place!
What a place!
Credit: pvalchev
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Lunch time!
Lunch time!
Credit: pvalchev
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Cruising down the corn..
Cruising down the corn..
Credit: pvalchev
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Do we have to leave? Why didn't we bring the climbing gear?
Do we have to leave? Why didn't we bring the climbing gear?
Credit: pvalchev
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Straight shot from here...
Straight shot from here...
Credit: pvalchev
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  Trip Report Views: 4,268
pvalchev
About the Author
pvalchev is an ice poser from Bay Area, CA / Calgary, AB.

Comments
Willoughby

Social climber
Truckee, CA
  Mar 30, 2013 - 03:43am PT
Nice tour. Looking bonier by the day. Love my Reverends!
Grippa

Trad climber
Salt Lake City, UT
  Mar 30, 2013 - 10:34am PT
What's the vert/mileage to where you guys stopped?
Vitaliy M.

Mountain climber
San Francisco
  Mar 30, 2013 - 12:50pm PT
Awesome! Really wanted to see some photos of that thing in winter.
pvalchev

Social climber
Truckee, CA
Author's Reply  Mar 30, 2013 - 01:29pm PT
Willoughby - yeah the reverends are nice! Might have to hike a lot higher in April to get to snow... this winter was hardly here.

Grippa - it's about 5 miles and 3,000 ft to where we stopped, the first two or so are on dirt. After that it goes much faster than in summer though... I think the left couloir would add another 1,500-2,000ft from there.

Vitaliy - my dream is now to ski up there, climb PV and ski down in a nice spring day. :)
Roxy

Trad climber
CA Central Coast
  Mar 30, 2013 - 01:43pm PT
damn those are beautiful photos!


thanks for sharing,
LuckyPink

climber
the last bivy
  Mar 30, 2013 - 04:26pm PT
how was the skiing?
Leggs

Sport climber
Made in California, living in The Old Pueblo
  Mar 30, 2013 - 04:29pm PT
Fantastic photos ... Loved loved loved the reflected mountain in the body of water.

Thanks for sharing!
phylp

Trad climber
Upland, CA
  Mar 30, 2013 - 08:39pm PT
Yes, it's quite amazing how little snow there is so early. Thanks for the TR!
SCseagoat

Trad climber
Santa Cruz
  Mar 30, 2013 - 08:44pm PT
Ditto on the low snow pack, but regardless, you got some skiing in. Very nice...beautiful day...looks like "a good time was had by all"

Susan
David Wilson

climber
CA
  Mar 31, 2013 - 10:35am PT
This TR makes me want to put my skis on, but I think it's already too late this year
msiddens

Trad climber
  Mar 31, 2013 - 10:44am PT
Looks awwwwwwwwesome!!!
hossjulia

Trad climber
Carson City, NV
  Mar 31, 2013 - 11:46am PT
Gorgeous! tfpu
pvalchev

Social climber
Truckee, CA
Author's Reply  Mar 31, 2013 - 01:45pm PT
Leggs - the reflection of sawtooths in Twin Lakes was so amazing, we stayed there for 10 minutes just enjoying it... it was hard to leave that place. No wonder it's so packed in the summer time!

LuckyPink - skiing was decent :)
Ezra Ellis

Trad climber
North wet, and Da souf
  Mar 31, 2013 - 11:30pm PT
Schweeeeeeet!
Footloose

Trad climber
Lake Tahoe
  Mar 31, 2013 - 11:34pm PT
Yeah, that's the life! :)
RyanD

climber
  Apr 1, 2013 - 01:27am PT
Oh yeah, that's really cool! I can't believe how little snow on the peaks!
snowhazed

Trad climber
Oaksterdam, CA
  Apr 1, 2013 - 02:17am PT
Dear lord

so psyched
cultureshock

Trad climber
Mountain View
  Apr 17, 2013 - 11:22am PT
Sweet Dude!

I was just in Utah and it was snowing. I was checking the weather reports around and clicked on the Hulk, which showed sun and much warmer temps. Sometimes it seems silly to leave California!

Perhaps I'll get an early for the hulk season this year!

 Luke
micronut

Trad climber
Fresno/Clovis, ca
  Apr 17, 2013 - 12:19pm PT
wonderful. Great way to start my day today. Thanks for posting up. Here we are a few years ago, in the same hood. Climbing and skiing Der Matterhorn.





donini

Trad climber
Ouray, Colorado
  Apr 17, 2013 - 01:05pm PT
No crowds, no mosquitos, bluebird weather and a glissade descent......go back and get your gear!
scuffy b

climber
heading slowly NNW
  Apr 17, 2013 - 02:41pm PT
Melissa.
Cat.
Pen.

Cheers!
Hummerchine

Trad climber
East Wenatchee, WA
  Apr 17, 2013 - 10:05pm PT
Wicked cool photos! Thanks for sharing that!
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