The California 14ers: Split Mountain | Red Lake trail | Day Hike

Hi everyone, this is our day hike of Split Mountain on September 2, 2021. We used the class 2 north slope. I'd agree that it's one of the easier, maybe easiest of the Sierra Nevada 14ers to summit.
At a fairly relaxed pace with a few rest breaks, we took 9 hours to the top at 14,064ft. Getting back took nearly as long though - due to an IT band issue. It was a long day but another great adventure. Red Lake seems like a pleasant place to camp.
If I was to give two tips on Split Mountain they would be:
1) Have a high clearance / 4wd vehicle with meaty tires; maybe spare wheel. I can't imagine how much a tow from here would cost.
2) Keep high and right when approaching the notch.
But of course, I'm not a professional climber and this is not professional advice =)
I hope you enjoy the video.
0:00 Road to the trailhead
1:44 Trailhead / Intro
4:05 Starting the trip
4:54 First light
8:38 First lake
9:29 Red Lake
10:51 Toward North Slope
12:05 View of the notch
12:52 Wrong notch
14:00 "Crux" of the trip
14:23 Toward the summit
15:12 Summit
19:36 Road Obstacle

Пікірлер: 51

  • @danaguidice
    @danaguidice15 күн бұрын

    great intel. thank you

  • @trwent
    @trwent Жыл бұрын

    Split Mountain holds a very interesting distinction: It is the ONLY 14er in the Sierra that is (partially) in the watershed of the SOUTH Fork of the Kings River. All of the other Sierra 14ers (except Mt. Williamson, which is technically on the east side of the Sierra crest) have their west precipitation drain into either the Middle Fork Kings River (Thunderbolt Peak, North Pal, Mt. Sill, Middle Pal) or the Kern River (Mts. Tyndall, Russell, Whitney, Muir, and Langley). Of course, two other California 14ers, White Mountain and Mt. Shasta, are not in the Sierra Nevada at all.

  • @Greg_C

    @Greg_C

    6 күн бұрын

    Having done all of the 14ers in the sierras, the rock on this one is different and more unique too

  • @Skyy_415
    @Skyy_4152 жыл бұрын

    Congratulations and happy for your 14ers acents in one year. You put in the work , love the sense of humor when I'm watching your videos. Middle Palisade?? Easy work. Keep up the hard work you guys 👍🏼,

  • @outerskirtshiking8141

    @outerskirtshiking8141

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks a lot! Happy that you enjoy the videos. I hope that you're still getting out there as well =)

  • @2heeldrivin431
    @2heeldrivin431 Жыл бұрын

    To beat a sunrise en route to a 14er, priceless. Love your content and approach... stay safe!

  • @phillyjr
    @phillyjr Жыл бұрын

    legend, love these videos! congrats on hitting the summit, didnt look easy

  • @gregskolozdra
    @gregskolozdra2 жыл бұрын

    Wow! Beautiful sunrise! That trail was rough and very challenging! Awesome views! Thanks for sharing your thrilling adventure.

  • @outerskirtshiking8141

    @outerskirtshiking8141

    2 жыл бұрын

    In comparison, the camera still didn't do it any justice! Thanks for watching; I'm glad you enjoyed!

  • @grantphillips8742
    @grantphillips8742Ай бұрын

    A locking differential will solve those wheelspin problems!

  • @ashwinvasavada8401
    @ashwinvasavada84012 жыл бұрын

    Great to see the road less traveled! Nice job.

  • @outerskirtshiking8141

    @outerskirtshiking8141

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching, Ashwin!

  • @larryorabuena4941
    @larryorabuena494110 ай бұрын

    very cool

  • @kristymoore7052
    @kristymoore70523 ай бұрын

    Wow! In admiration of your partner too. As for the vehicle and it’s “smart features.” Yes, I rented one like that exploring areas of the AT trailheads last year. aagg.

  • @bracken777
    @bracken7772 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the great video! I did Split Mtn with my friend a few years ago and I ended up in the wrong notch. It was pretty scary to backtrack back to the fork :) I didn't realize that it was possible to actually hike much higher avoiding loose scree!

  • @outerskirtshiking8141

    @outerskirtshiking8141

    2 жыл бұрын

    Nice! What time of the year did you go? I bet it's a bit more enjoyable with snow (Don't need to deal with the sandy stuff) Yeah it's hard to tell from below, that there's an almost flat area to walk on, just above =)

  • @matthewr.9403
    @matthewr.94032 жыл бұрын

    Love your videos. Sad that the 14'er series is almost over. Found it funny your hiking partner was wearing Adidas and what looked like an everyday backpack. If anything it goes to show that having more technical gear doesn't increase your ability, just makes you more survivable.

  • @outerskirtshiking8141

    @outerskirtshiking8141

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you, Matthew. I'm sorry to disappoint you but - though the series of these summits will be complete, it's most definitely NOT over =) Yes that was one of Viv's every day backpacks, hah! I agree that, one doesn't always need a fancy backpack / gear to do everything. Sometimes we just have to adapt and use what we have. In the book Peak Persistence, the author mentions a Sherpa on Mt. Ranier who was using a plastic bag over his down jacket. Love that

  • @lanetaglio
    @lanetaglio Жыл бұрын

    Was right there at the summit around 10 a.m. Sept 4th.....but I cheated coming from Upper Basin ; ).....GREAT EFFORT !!

  • @JStompinado
    @JStompinado4 ай бұрын

    You have to get you a widdle wadder for your twuck.....😂 How long was that hike, seemed like a lot of work?

  • @kalimachios
    @kalimachios2 жыл бұрын

    Great info as usually - beautiful views once out of the desert ! How long on the 8+ miles approach road can someone make it w/ a small normal car ?

  • @outerskirtshiking8141

    @outerskirtshiking8141

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! Wish I could answer your question better but, I'd say, of the 14 miles (based on my GPS), a regular car can make it "most of the way". Sorry I couldn't be more exact - if I was to guess, I'd say roughly 9 or 10.

  • @Setmose
    @Setmose8 ай бұрын

    When I did this in 1976, I tracked down the owners of the ranch that straddles the road near the open-pit mine near the Red Mt. cinder-cone. The caretaker of the ranch worked in the mine. With the owners' permission (a pair of brothers in Oxnard), we were given the keys to the gates by the caretaker, and so had an easy job of shooting up to the trailhead from Tinemaha Camp Ground in a lowly 1969 Toyota Corona.

  • @ListlessSilence
    @ListlessSilence2 жыл бұрын

    Great video! Looks like a nice hike, I was wondering if you think I could make it to the trailhead in a low clearance AWD vehicle (Subaru Outback)

  • @outerskirtshiking8141

    @outerskirtshiking8141

    2 жыл бұрын

    Ya know, if I remember correctly, there was actually an Outback there when we arrived (If not, another Subi). I think you should be good! Just keep an eye out for rocks that are obviously too large to drive over, and definitely be mindful of where your oil pan is =) New, meaty tires would be good, to help minimize the chances of a flat. Carrying a spare with the tools to change it out would be a good idea as well. Thanks for watching, and good luck!

  • @kmcc01
    @kmcc0113 күн бұрын

    Did you bring your batsuit with you?

  • @driftsc3
    @driftsc32 жыл бұрын

    Nicely done! I feel like I cheated with my detour from JMT... You guys got full credit!

  • @outerskirtshiking8141

    @outerskirtshiking8141

    2 жыл бұрын

    Sounds awesome to be on the JMT, look at a peak and say, 'hmm, I'm gonna go climb that"

  • @outerskirtshiking8141

    @outerskirtshiking8141

    2 жыл бұрын

    Nice hearing from you Bryan, I hope all is well!

  • @mickeybrumfield764
    @mickeybrumfield764 Жыл бұрын

    Did you add up your elevation gain looks like it must be in the neighborhood of 8,000 ft. quite substantial for a day hike, especially over that rugged terrain. As a day hiker would like to give it a try if I thought the road getting there wouldn't be so difficult on my Subaru, guess I'll have to give it a try anyways. I day hiked up Mt. Tom and after the experience I told myself never again, was wondering if you would rate this 8,000 ft. elevation gain hike as that kind of day hike.

  • @xxuncexx
    @xxuncexx2 жыл бұрын

    That’s a pretty fun looking day hike. I know that feeling of relief by finding flat ground after walking across rocks for a while. Cool you showed your car shutting off like you mentioned when a wheel loses traction. Such a strange feature. I feel like looking it up.

  • @xxuncexx

    @xxuncexx

    2 жыл бұрын

    Nope can’t find anything related to off-road traction and stalling with this vehicle.

  • @outerskirtshiking8141

    @outerskirtshiking8141

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yesss the feeling of relaxed walking after hopping around is awesome

  • @outerskirtshiking8141

    @outerskirtshiking8141

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@xxuncexx Ya know, I mainly came across that info on forums. That last attempt, if that last rock moved any earlier, the car wouldn't have made it up. Yeah it sucks; if it wasn't for the power being cut, the car would be perfect as a less expensive outdoor vehicle - reliable, 4wd-ish, good amount of room, all that + pretty good MPG

  • @leetintary2074
    @leetintary2074 Жыл бұрын

    Did this one in three days via Taboose Pass because I had a Prius.

  • @ryandenzy7003
    @ryandenzy70032 жыл бұрын

    do you have any hikes on your schedule for this year? particularly any 14ers? would love to hike with someone with experience.

  • @outerskirtshiking8141

    @outerskirtshiking8141

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hi Ryan, thanks for subscribing. Wish I had a quick answer to your question but - not exactly. There's a potential trip revisiting 14ers that I'm pondering on, which'll be quite heavy, but I'd like to experience it solo. Not sure when, or if, time will permit, though. With that said - I enjoy adventuring with others, and am open to discussing a potential trip at some point. Feel free to hit me up on IG and we can keep in touch. @YouArdeeKnow

  • @tonyhe001
    @tonyhe0012 жыл бұрын

    I am waiting for this, thanks man! Could you know how whitney MR looks like now? I got 3 overnight permit for 5/7

  • @outerskirtshiking8141

    @outerskirtshiking8141

    2 жыл бұрын

    My apologies, Tony, meant to get it up sooner! You're very welcome. I personally don't know how it's looking now but, some options are - recent social media posts, calling a ranger station and asking about current conditions or - call "Elevation Sierra Adventure", the shop in Lone Pine. John, cool guy (a guide and I believe the owner), may have info on recent trips up. Also there are probably some Whitney forums that might have trip reports as well. In addition, I'd check the weather approaching May, in case there's a spring snow dump. Hope this helps! & I'd love to hear about your trip

  • @tonyhe001

    @tonyhe001

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@outerskirtshiking8141 thanks, sure will check it when the date comes.

  • @ADM-wt9cn
    @ADM-wt9cn2 жыл бұрын

    What was the temperature up and around Red Lake? Is it Still pretty chill in the mornings and nights up there? Would love to do an overnighter there. From trailhead to Red Lake it only took you three hours?

  • @outerskirtshiking8141

    @outerskirtshiking8141

    2 жыл бұрын

    It looks like it took about 4.5-5 hours to get to Red Lake. This includes 2 generous breaks. Though our pace was fairly easy-going, keep in mind that we were pretty well acclimatized from spending 6 days in the palisades (11k-14k), just a week before (Starlight, Sill, Polemonium). Also, this trip was in September so it would've been much warmer than I imagine it is now - probably more snow as well. But for September, the weather was pretty mild during the late morning. We were able to relax in just our shirts. As for nights, I couldn't say as we headed back to the car. Thanks for watching & I hope this helps!

  • @outerskirtshiking8141

    @outerskirtshiking8141

    2 жыл бұрын

    For camping at Red Lake though, I think it's such a nice area. There's a good amount of spots scattered in the trees. If you end up going, I'd love to hear how it went

  • @ADM-wt9cn

    @ADM-wt9cn

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the response... I am heading up to trailhead tomorrow evening, will hit the trail Friday and either summit Friday or Saturday am.. I will let you know!

  • @outerskirtshiking8141

    @outerskirtshiking8141

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@ADM-wt9cn Nice! Yes please do; might also be helpful for others as well! Safe travels~

  • @joearnold781
    @joearnold781 Жыл бұрын

    Wonder why you haven't done any of these in the early spring? Much easier going on the snow and ice

  • @johnmay3286
    @johnmay3286 Жыл бұрын

    Really enjoying your website!! Of all the 14er’s, which one seemed easiest? Reason I ask is I’m trying to get my girlfriend into hiking up there with me.

  • @maxbooshay7875

    @maxbooshay7875

    25 күн бұрын

    White, Whitney, and Langley are the easiest 14ers, in that order, in my opinion.

  • @trailmale1
    @trailmale1 Жыл бұрын

    So it took you 9 hours to summit and 8+ to return to your vehicle. You must been hiking in the dark for quite a while!

  • @edrader
    @edrader Жыл бұрын

    bro fruitcake

  • @nomada6789
    @nomada67897 ай бұрын

    How many miles is this hike? I just moved to socal and I’m still learning new places to hike 🫣