I have parked at the Bakerville (spelling?) exit over night and it has been fine. I would say you're fine as long as you dont leave too many valuables in your car... Are you planning on hiking in and then camping? This is an amazing area to visit in the winter...
Park just before montezuma. Hike up peru creek and then chihuahua gulch. Climb the West ribbon of Torreys if its windblown then grab your greys and enjoy the hike down the sw ridge during the sunset. Seems better than freezing on the north side coming up from officers gulch.
I'd agree with Anthony. I've done several winter overnighter's on Grays/Torrey's and have parked at the Bakerville exit every time without ever having a problem. If you're looking to do an overnighter I'd say that's the route to follow as it has plenty of camping sites, allows you access to several routes (especially the Kelso Ridge and all the couloirs), and the approach up to the Steven's Gulch start is a nice snowshoe in. Not to say the west side doesn't offer good climbing, but in my experience the east approach is more fun and offers more variety.
edit* I forgot to add that this approach also allows you access to Grizzly Gulch and therefore the tuning fork, which is one of the longest snow ski routes on a 14er. More good times!!
YDPL8S
·
Nov 16, 2009
·
Santa Monica, Ca.
· Joined Aug 2003
· Points: 540
One of the most enjoyable outings I've ever had was in late winter. 3 of us parked at Bakerville (parked there many times and never had any problems, but don't leave anything valuable in sight)and skiied up Stevens Gulch and made a bivouac camp site across the valley from the W. slope of Torreys. It was pretty close to a full moon night and around 10:00 pm we hiked up the W. face and telemarked down the face twice by moonlight, finishing up by midnight. A celebratory bowl and it was off to beddy bye in the down bag. One of the most magical ski mountaineering trips I've taken that was so close to home.
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